Two Brandt Island Road projects brought out neighbors and abutters whose concerns were heard by the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission at their September 8 meeting.

The first project heard was Brandt Point Village, which has been the subject of storm water management hearings and proposed unit reconfiguration to this cluster housing project that has brought out issues which have been worrisome to the neighbors.

The hearing before the board this night was for an amended order of conditions that would allow the developers to move the remediation location slightly and to increase it by 245 square feet. Al Loomis of McKenzie Engineering represented the applicant J. M. Furtado, Inc. Loomis detailed the modifications that the conservation commission was instrumental in orchestrating. The commission during an earlier hearing had suggested that the applicant construct the mandatory environmental reclamation area at the newer location, resulting in fewer trees being removed and easier access.

Abutters were invited to air their questions and concerns after Loomis’ presentation. All were concerned that the reclamation area would cause more water issues than presently being experienced and that placement of the wetland mitigation near a drainage culvert would overwhelm the system. However, both Chairman Peter Newton and member Bob Rogers explained the prudence of moving the wetland mitigation area as outlined and how it will ultimately benefit storm water management systems at the site.

Abutters were not convinced and countered that they were experiencing water problems now. Newton explained, “This is a natural storm water management system.” He continued, “I’m a hydro-geologist … this should help mitigate water. I’m not here to advocate on behalf of the applicant … but this should help.”

Rogers said, “This will provide slightly more storm water management and it’s a common sense idea … we think it’s a good idea.”

In spite of these explanations, the abutters pressed for more assurances that storm water run-off wouldn’t become worse. Newton said, “This project before us tonight was suggested by us. This application was not for a review of the total storm water management system.”

The application was approved with all the previous conditions in place along with notification to the commission agent when work commences.

The next Brandt Island Road project was a notice of intent by Ron Oliveira for the construction of a single-family dwelling that would require the filling in of low-lying depressions in the topography of the site to create a dry backyard space. Alan Ewing of Ewing Engineering represented the applicant. After review of a 2008 plan that had been approved by the conservation commission at that time and the airing of concerns by neighbors regarding the importation of soils to the site, the commission suggested that Ewing discuss with Oliveira the possibility of putting in a wetland reclamation area. The application was continued for two weeks.

A certificate of compliance was issued to Beverly Moore of 9 North Road.

The commission then had an informal discussion regarding the ongoing studies at the Appaloosa Lane development. Highway Superintendent Barry Denham said that he has been talking to Field Engineering, had not heard from G.A.F. Engineering, and that no conclusions have been reached regarding storm water management issues. He said he needs answers to the correct types of soils at the site and current water table levels, as well as an estimate of the amount of water the developers expect will be handled at the site and will be discharged into the town’s sewer system in order to size drainage pipes correctly on River Road. Newton thanked Denham and asked him to please keep the commission informed.

Conservation Agent Elizabeth Leidhold gave her report that included a recent meeting with Blue Wave LLC, solar farm developers, regarding requests by the DEP that the storm water drainage system be modified at the Crystal Spring site. She also reported that Blue Wave has not sought clearance from Natural Heritage to date. Leidhold said that she anticipates the applicant will come forward with a request to amend their plans in the next couple of weeks. She added that NSTAR will most likely also be applying for permits to install three new telephone poles in the area of the project.

Leidhold said that the commission’s office has received a number of complaints regarding NSTAR because of the severe clear cutting of trees. She had photographs from Tinkham Road and Crystal Spring Road that were startling. NSTAR has rights to clear 200-foot roads for access to equipment and power lines. She noted that there is little the towns can do.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is September 22 at 6:30 pm in the town hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell

The Marion School Committee was back in session September 3, with a couple of new key administrative staff members attending their first meeting.

Old Rochester Regional School District Superintendent Doug White introduced the new School Business Administrator, Patrick Spencer, and the new Director of Student Services, Mike Nelson, to the committee before getting down to business during the first school committee meeting this school year within the district.

Representatives for the Sippican Lands Trust and Copicut Woods in Fall River asked the committee to approve a donation of 40 to 50 Atlantic white-cedar trees to Sippican School for sixth graders to retrieve and plant on the north side of the school grounds.

The evergreen coniferous baby trees will become a part of the science and social science curricula, with students learning about plant structure and also how this specific tree ties into local history.

Sixth grade students will take a field trip to Copicut Woods to claim and transport the trees back to the school and plant them the next day after a presentation from the SLT.

“I think it sounds awesome,” said School Committee member Christine Marcolini. “I really do.”

The committee accepted the donation of trees with a unanimous vote.

Later in the meeting, Sippican School Principal Evelyn Rivet announced that the school would soon have its own Facebook page as a way to reach out to the community about news and special events taking place throughout the year.

Assisting with the task, Technology Integrationist Susan Wheeler said she would model the new Facebook page after ORR High School’s and make weekly updates for those who “Like” the page.

“It’s just another way to put ourselves out in the community,” said Wheeler.

Also during the meeting, the committee approved the design and placement of the new YMCA Sippican Learning Center signs for the front of the building and the circular drive out front near the entrance.

Food Service Director Caitlin Meagher gave a brief update on the status of school lunch accounts. As overdue balances remained after the school year came to a close, Meagher said she was able to recover some of the money left over from active lunch accounts from past years, and Rivet used some funds from the principal’s account to pay for some of the remaining debt. In total, the Sippican School closed the year with a negative balance of $382, a huge difference from where it was earlier in the year when it climbed into the thousands.

“We’re hoping to keep better control over that this year,” said Meagher.

In other matters, Facilities Director Eugene Jones requested funds totaling $2,600 to go toward the new “Telecenter U Page Module,” an emergency alert system used to aid in communication within the school, as well as with emergency responders and others, should an emergency occur.

Jones said the school could be ordered into lockdown “with the push of a button” from any computer within the school, not just from the main office.

The total cost is $7,100, with $4,500 coming from leftover funds in Jones’ budget. The vote to approve was unanimous.

Also during the meeting, Rivet handed committee members the updated school improvement plan, which now includes a timeline for the goals that the committee requested before the close of the last school year.

Later discussed, White told the committee that, with a little restructuring, the district could eliminate the need for a technology director to replace Ryan McGee who resigned from the position to take another one in another district.

“As we went through the process,” said White, “…we felt that we could do it in a different way without getting an additional administrator.”

Technology specialist consultants who were once assigned to specific districts will now float between all the Tri-Town school districts, and some staff members will take on additional technology hours as well.

“We needed more boots on the ground,” said White, adding later that having the consultants move through the districts under the new organizational structure will add accountability.

“And an ability to really see where we’re going,” said White.

The next meeting of the Marion School Committee is scheduled for October 1 at 6:30 pm at the Marion Town House.

By Jean Perry