Everything was in place at the Mattapoisett Town Hall for a lively discussion of electrical aggregation when the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen, along with Town Administrator Michael Gagne, went down the agenda at the August 11 meeting. But, when the board looked out into the audience, they found only one resident.

Regardless of the lack of attendees, Gagne told the one present and those viewing from home, “I think it’s fantastic!”

Gagne reported that 24 cities and towns were part of a buying group pursuing a lower electrical rate. Of those participating along with Mattapoisett are close neighbors Acushnet, Fairhaven, Marion, and New Bedford, along with 19 others representing 565,000 people comprising 275,000 households.

Gagne said the agreement had been posted to the Town’s website for a month leading up to the public hearing, and he had received a few questions primarily asking if the program would be mandatory or voluntary. He replied to those inquires that the program is voluntary.

In an effort to provide full disclosure of the aggregation process, Gagne said informative videos would be produced and posted. He also said of the rate structure itself that a portion may be purchased from renewable energy sources such as sun and wind.

Selectman Paul Silva had a more direct question asking, “How much, and when?”

Gagne said there are several more steps in the form of government oversight involving the Department of Public Utilities and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office. Given that, Gagne speculated that it would take six months or longer to finalize a deal that is being handled by Good Energy, L.P.

The evening’s agenda also included the recognition of several police officers for their outstanding service during a medical emergency.

Mattapoisett Police Chief Mary Lyons lauded the life saving efforts of Sergeant Jason King, Officer William Ilmail, Officer Dennis Tavares, and Officer Turner Ryan.

Previously recognized by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security earlier in the year, they were officially awarded certificates of recognition on June 11 at Bentley University.

“They went above and beyond the call of duty,” said Lyons. She explained that the victim had to be revived four times before being taken to the hospital.

Regarding a request from resident Brad Hathaway that the selectmen petition the state to conduct public hearings that will be held by the DEP on a Chapter 91 application for a private pier into Aucoot Cove, Silva said, “If we are going to have a public hearing, it should be in town.”

Selectman Tyler McAllister echoed that sentiment. They voted to send a letter to the DEP requesting local hearings.

On the matter of filling two vacancies on the Conservation Commission, the board decided to invite all five candidates to their next meeting for more formal interviews. On August 10, the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission members had cast votes, selected their top three candidates, and presented those names to the board.

In other news, the Mattapoisett Fire Department Association will hold their first annual chowder competition to raise funds that will be used to purchase equipment and materials for the department. The event will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall on September 13 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

There is an open seat on the Council on Aging for an alternate member. Anyone interested should contact C.O.A. Director Jackie Coucci at 508-758-4110.

Maureen McCarthy was appointed to the Historical Commission.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for September 22 at 7:00 pm in the Mattapoisett Town Hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell

Once again, coming before the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission were applicants Jay and Julie Duker of 112 Aucoot Road with their Notice of Intent to build a private recreational pier extending across a barrier beach and into Aucoot Cove. David Davignon of N. Douglas Schneider & Associates, representing the Dukers, provided the last pieces of information the commission requested – that all beaches shown on the plans were labeled as “barrier beaches” and that the pier may only be used for watercraft drafting 12-inches or less of water.

Before the hearing was opened for public comment, commission member Mike King said, “I am sympathetic to abutters, given the dynamic environment, but the design meets the wetlands act, so it can be permitted.”

Commission member Peter Newton added, “The applicant addressed questions.”

Chairman Bob Rogers looked into the audience and said, “We’ve been as methodical as you can on this project. In DEP’s eyes, this is a project that can be permitted.” He continued, “I’d like to see the issue of draft carried over to Chapter 91 plans.” He gave a nod to objections raised by abutters during previous meetings on this application saying, “It will be unfortunate someday when this thing gets hit by a storm.” He concluded, “We’ve got all the information we asked for; I’m prepared to close the public hearing.”

Rogers then acknowledged abutter Jane Hathaway and gave her an opportunity to state her concerns.

“Twelve-inch draft can be a pretty big boat,” said Hathaway. “We are concerned they were talking about small watercraft … I’d ask the Order of Conditions to specify the type of craft.”

But Newton responded, “We are going beyond restrictions imposed on other piers in town.”

Rogers shrugged and told Hathaway, “We are trying to do the best we can knowing we can’t straight out deny this.”

To the other commission members, Rogers said they would prepare a list of special conditions that they will provide to the applicants at the next meeting. Those special conditions will deal primarily with construction procedures and protections required to ensure eelgrass and beaches will not sustain damage during the building of the pier.

Brad Hathaway asked what the next steps might be for those objecting to the project.

Rogers replied that there is a 10-day period where objections based on the Wetlands Protection Act may be filed and that Hathaway should also approach the DEP. The Dukers still need to secure a Chapter 91 license from the DEP.

Moving on to other agenda items, the commissioners discussed how to go about closing actions and files now that conservation compliance has been received from Leisure Shores Marina. Rogers said he would discuss the matter with town counsel.

It came to light that Marylou Kelliher would also be leaving the Conservation Commission due to a change in her work schedule. With the departure of Tom Copps a few weeks ago, two seats are now open. Kelliher was thanked for her contributions to the commission, and she expressed a desire to return in the future.

ConCom then met with Edward Camara, another candidate for a seat on the commission. Camara was invited to share his interest in the opening and his background. He told the commissioners that he has been a resident for 40 years, has a background in biology and tidal zone ecology, had taught marine ecology, and that he might be able to provide a different viewpoint. Camara has also served as a member on the Marine Advisory Board.

The five candidates are Camara, Richard Francis, Dianne Tsitos, Mike DuBuc, and Joan Belknap.

The commission then cast a secret scoring ballot that produced names to present to the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen for their consideration.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for August 24 at 6:30 pm in the Mattapoisett Town Hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell