There were twists and turns during discussions, then stretches and yawns by the time the Rochester Planning Board meeting surpassed the two-hour mark on March 8 during the continued public hearing for Renewable Generation, LLC’s public hearing for its solar farm project slated for the town center.

Engineer Stephen O’Connell stood alone against the board and a roomful of residents, with no other representatives present on behalf of the applicant. Things started smoothly, though, with O’Connell going over plan compliance after receiving comments from the town’s engineer Ken Motta, until stormwater talks interrupted that flow.

“At the end of the day, we reached what we believe is a satisfactory agreement,” said O’Connell about stormwater system changes. “It’s a pretty agreeable resolution to a minor conflict…. Other than that, the plans were satisfactory to Ken.”

Chairman Arnold Johnson split up discussion into five categories: waivers, stormwater, decommissioning, (tree) thinning plan, and landscaping.

A number of waiver requests were withdrawn after some stormwater requirements were met without them, including satisfying Mass Department of Transportation entrance requirements and stormwater system design.

One issue of stormwater system setback from a neighboring septic tank leach field elicited a lengthy discussion and debate after it was discovered that the project did not, in fact, require Board of Health approval. Rather, it was within the purview of the Planning Board.

A stormwater collection structure is planned for about 100 feet from the leach field of the residence at 50 Dexter Lane. The BOH granted the waiver for a 100-foot setback; however, the BOH’s regulations actually follow the State of Massachusetts’ minimum of 50 feet. It is the Planning Board that requires 200 feet.

Johnson pointed out that Motta, the town’s engineer, approved the setback after considering the groundwater mounding analysis. Having said that, though, board member Gary Florindo argued against it.

Florindo said his experience with cranberry bogs and their seasonal flooding was enough for him to determine that stormwater flow from the solar farm site would flood the neighboring leach field.

“Well, we’re double the requirement from the state,” said O’Connell. “And the Title 5 [requirements were] compiled by numerous scientists.”

O’Connell continued, “People smarter than us created the Mass Title 5, the state sanitary code, and they say 50 feet. We’re double that. So I’m going to sleep well at night with that design and I think everybody should sleep well at night.”

Florindo took offense to O’Connell’s putting thoughts into his head and he continued his argument against the waiver.

Susan Fleming, abutting resident and owner of said septic leach field, asked the board to stick with its 200-foot requirement, because, “Our house has been there for 160 years, and I think we should stick with the 200 feet in the books.”

Florindo asked Fleming if she ever gets water in her basement. “Yes,” she replied.

“When the bog is flooded, do you get more water in your basement?” Florindo asked Fleming.

“Yes,” she replied.

“I object, your honor,” said O’Connell. Several board members laughed before O’Connell lunged into his argument.

“If I was her, I’d say ‘yes,’ too,” said O’Connell. “You can’t make that connection.”

“Are you suggesting that she’s not telling the truth?” said Planning Board member Ben Bailey.

It was a long discussion that ensued, and O’Connell was forced to wade through the minutia of stormwater run-off and the semantics that went along with it as board members substituted the words “run-off” for “water concentration.”

In the end, O’Connell told Florindo they would have to agree to disagree, but he reminded Florindo and the board that Motta, the town’s own engineer, approved the plan and the 100-foot setback.

Johnson suggested holding off on the waiver for the stormwater system setback, and they finally moved on to the next category – stormwater. Having already discussed that at length to some degree, they moved on to decommissioning, which was short-lived since O’Connell was not prepared to discuss that on behalf of the applicant.

When it came to landscaping, Johnson said he objected to the plan’s use of the Eastern red cedar, which he said was susceptible to “Cedar Apple Rust,” a disease he said could affect neighboring apple trees.

Johnson added that he would not rely on the arbitrary decision of plant species of a landscape architect over common sense.

“Because screening,” said Johnson, “is probably the most critical aspect of this project.”

Conservation Commission member and Historical Commission member Laurene Gerrior mentioned that the project still had to comply with state regulations pertaining to the historic district, saying the project was subject to an intensive archeological study before breaking ground. Johnson wasn’t digging that.

“In my opinion, it’s discriminatory,” said Johnson. He pointed out that Sperry Tents was not subjected to the same requirements. “If there is something in the ground that could be disturbed … then it should be held accountable by every project in the neighborhood.” He added, “I think the whole thing on that end is incorrect.”

Besides, he added, the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program will not approve the project until requirements like these are satisfied. He called it the “failsafe,” since the board has vowed not to approve the project until NHESP is through with its process.

Johnson set one specific condition on the project before continuing the public hearing until April 12 saying that before any tree was felled, the Planning Board would make a site visit to view flagged trees. Also, throughout the tree clearing, an engineer hired by the town would oversee the progress.

Johnson said a recent debacle in Middleboro pertaining to tree clearing at a project site prompted him to make the suggestion.

Because once the trees are gone, he said, they are gone. “And then it would get real ugly,” said Johnson.

The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board is scheduled for March 22 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

By Jean Perry

The March 1 meeting of Mattapoisett’s Board of Selectmen began with a vote to accept a gift of land from Jeanne Downey. The parcel is situated near the Mattapoisett landing and park.

Town Administrator Michael Gagne said, “This gift is a tremendous opportunity for the town,” citing the need for more parking at the bike path in this area.

Selectman Paul Silva added that it was a very generous gift, given that the property is a buildable lot.

The remainder of the evening was dedicated to the selectmen meeting with all of the town’s department heads to briefly discuss relevant issues and opportunities.

Town Treasurer Brenda Herbeck said her department had faced difficulties this year from the amount of work they are now required to handle as a result of the Affordable Care Act.

Herbeck said that since there isn’t a standardized form for communities to use, each had to find a way to report as required by federal regulations. She added that, moving forward, this reporting would be completed more easily, but this year had been difficult.

Regarding the senior work-off program, Herbeck reported that this, too, took extra time and that Mattapoisett has 87 seniors participating in the program at a cost of $45,382.

“In my opinion,” said Gagne, “it’s the best $45,000 we spend.” He noted the importance of the work the seniors were doing. Selectman Jordan Collyer agreed.

The selectmen agreed with Herbeck’s request to review the program’s policy.

Town Accountant Suzanne Szyndlar reported that all financial records and computer programs are now backed up and protected with security systems. She also said the FY15 audit was nearly complete.

Director of Inspectional Services Andy Bobola discussed the use of the GIS system which will bring his department “into today’s technology,” as he stated it.

Bobola said that all construction permits would be online very soon, making it easier for inspectors in the field to verify the status of permits in real time.

He also shared, “[The] winter has been good … we’ve collected nearly a quarter million [dollars],” adding, “There is no end in sight.”

Jackie Coucci, director of the Council on Aging, pointed to the robust number of services and programs the center offers and the vitality of the community members accessing them. Movement programs, art history lessons, and medical rides to financial planning assistance were some of the programs she noted.

Gagne said that the COA would be receiving a retired sedan from the Police Department to assist in providing rides for residents in need.

Library Director Susan Pizzolato said while other public libraries were seeing a downturn, Mattapoisett’s library was seeing an increase.

Pizzolato told the selectmen that they received several types of grants that allowed the library to offer a greater range of services to their users such as readers’ advisory, literacy programs and advanced technologies.

But, when it came to the building itself she said, “The honeymoon is over in terms of it being a brand new building.” She will be discussing the building’s repair and maintenance needs with the Capital Planning Committee.

Gagne thanked Pizzolato for reaching across the aisle and lending a hand to other department heads on a regular basis.

Fire Chief Andrew Murray reported that his department had responded to 582 calls. He also noted that various members of the department had participated in Coast Guard rescue training, burning car training, forest and medical flight training, and that one member is now a CPR trainer.

Water and Sewer Superintendent Henry Renauld discussed the Route 6 water main upgrade, a 45-day project that will take place the first part of April. A temporary waterline will service those affected by the replacement project.

He is also applying for a $40,000 grant for a thorough study of the town’s water system, as well as feasibility for bringing public water up Mattapoisett Neck Road.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for April 12 at 7:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Town Hall.

By Marilou Newell

In just a couple of weeks, employees of the Town of Marion will be driving around the town in a brand new electric car.

The Marion Board of Selectmen on February 26 authorized acting Town Administrator Judy Mooney to sign a lease for a new electric car on behalf of the town. The three-year, $7,500 lease is fully funded by a grant the town secured under the advisement of the Marion Energy Management Committee.

The vehicle, a new Nissan Leaf, would replace the use of one of the town’s other town-owned combustible engine vehicles, although which department will use the Nissan Leaf has not yet been decided.

Another $7,500 is allocated to pay for the charging station to be installed at the Atlantis Drive recreation building, although Mooney said she hopes the money could stretch far enough to install a second charging station across town.

“We wanted three and three,” said Mooney, but the grant awarded would only provide for the one car and the one charging station.

Finance Committee Chairman Alan Minard was in attendance to ask questions about the financial implications for the town in light of the new vehicle.

Mooney reassured him there was no mileage limit as far as she knew, but since the car would only be used locally, she doubted the town would exceed any given limit.

“We’re not going to get close to the mileage use at the end of the lease,” Mooney said. She added that, at the end of the lease, the town would be able to purchase the vehicle at a drastically reduced cost. She mentioned the number $389 several times, but she said in that moment she was unable to confirm the exact number.

Mooney told Minard after he asked if he could use the charging station should he hypothetically purchase an electric car, and Mooney told him yes. Public use of the charging station was a condition for the acceptance of the grant.

“Who’s ultimately paying the cost of plugging it in?” asked Minard, saying he didn’t want to see the selectmen’s budget “get banged for a big charge that they don’t have in their budget for the next year.” Minard and the selectmen agreed that it was unlikely, though, that this should be the case.

“I’m all about that,” said Mooney. “We don’t want the ‘gotcha’ at the end.”

“Or in the middle,” stated Minard.

It initially appeared as though the town would acquire a BMW electric vehicle; however, in the end the Nissan Leaf won the bidding process.

“Frankly, I think that’s better,” said Minard.

Selectman Jonathan Henry concurred.

“I’ve had trouble living down the image of a BMW,” said Henry.

Minard shared his vision of the sewer superintendent driving the BMW back to the wastewater treatment plant, eliciting a couple laughs.

“Only in Marion,” said Selectman Jody Dickerson.

Speaking of wastewater and water in general, the town might be able to reduce one of its town meeting articles by $50,000 if it receives a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to help fund the town’s mandated assessment of its water infrastructure.

The Water Infrastructure Assessment and Planning Grant would cover $40,000 of the $150,000 needed to fund the assessment, with $10,000 matched by the town in in-kind services.

Water infrastructure, said Mooney, includes wastewater and stormwater in addition to drinking water. Facilities, pipes, and all aspects of water would be assessed.

The deadline for filing the application for this grant was that day, and Mooney said she could now move forward with the selectmen’s affirmative vote.

The next meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen was scheduled for March 1 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.

By Jean Perry