Mattapoisett’s Board of Selectmen swiftly dispatched all “action items” on the night’s agenda which included: Common Victualler License for Lion’s Club July Harbor Days event, acceptance of resignation from Barbara Sullivan as member of Old Colony School Committee, and a vote to approve Special State Elections to be held at Old Hammondtown School on April 30 from 7am to 8pm. Selectmen then tackled the night’s appointments, hearings, and reports.

First up were representatives from the engineering firm Fay, Spofford and Thorndike to discuss the latest innovations in crosswalk warning devices. Town Administrator Michael Gagne had invited the firm to detail for the Board the latest in crosswalk warning devices. FST is well positioned to assist towns in these matters with a portfolio noting such services as highways and bridges; transportation facility planning; municipal assistance, outdoor recreational and waterfront facilities, and transit systems.

Douglas Prentiss, Senior Principal Engineer of Transportation with the FST described a new “rapid flashing beacon,” a warning device that transmits a brilliant and highly visible set of alternating flashes, which alerts drivers to pedestrians in a crosswalk they are approaching.

“Drivers aren’t paying close attention to mid-block crosswalks,” Prentiss said. These devices are 88 percent effective in alerting the driver giving them ample opportunity to slow down and or stop. He said the device had been approved by the DOT in August 2012, but as of yet had not been deployed into practical application.

Mattapoisett has two midblock crossroads on state road Route 6, or County Road: 1) Barstow Street and 2) Pearl Street, both of which are poorly marked. Mike Delaney of FST said that one of the biggest problems at these two locations was the acceleration rate of motorists after stopping at a traffic light, increasing the danger to pedestrians.

Both Chief Mary Lyons of the Mattapoisett Police, Safety Officer Justin King and Barry Denham of the Highway Department were on hand to ask questions of the engineers. King shared that one device is currently being tested on a state road in Sandwich. He went on to say that in his conversation with the DOT they seem to want uniformity throughout the state. Denham said that the state won’t even allow the town to re-paint the crosswalks and improve their effectiveness. There was a general feeling that Massachusetts DOT was nonresponsive to issues associated with crosswalks on State roadways.

Selectman Collyer said, “We’ve already had one death, how much more compelling a case is needed!” Delaney of FST said that the federal government had already approved the devices, as had the state, so it shouldn’t be difficult to approach the DOT on permits for the installation at the noted location.

The price tag for each unit is approximately $20,000, which would be funded by the state but maintained by the town. Considering the costs associated it was decided that Lyons, King, Denham and Gagne would approach DOT Division 5 in an investigatory manner and get a determination as to whether or not they would permit an application for use.

Chief Lyons then remained front and center with her revisions to an outdated set of Rules and Regulations for establishments dispensing alcoholic beverages. Lyons said that presently it is very hard to enforce any rules given the lack of full detailed regulations. One sticking point that will need further work is the clause associated with noise. Presently the town does not have any laws restricting noise and several board members were concerned that existing establishments might be negatively impacted by those clauses as currently written. All applauded Lyons work and accepted the document for further review, including town counsel. It is planned to have the regulations completed before the December license renewal period.

Harbormaster Horace Field came to the table next with Allen Gillis, Chairman of the Marine Advisory Board, to discuss new hire opportunities and succession planning. After Gagne thanked Field for coming forward and providing the town with exemplary service they got down to the business of the job description for harbormaster. Gagne said the job description was done and would include details such as: part-time position, 912 hours per year primarily between May and September, necessity for applicants to be certified for 6 passenger water craft and within two years of hire, certified Massachusetts Criminal Justice Officer. The position would not offer health benefits. Gagne said the job would be posted immediately in the hope of finding a qualified candidate to work with Fields during the upcoming season.

Gillis said that the advisory board would like to be part of the selection process. He also said that possibly cadets from Mass Maritime could be hired on as interns for the season supplementing their education and the town’s need for sea-worthy personal to assist the Harbormaster. It was agreed that cadets would be invited to apply for seasonal work.

Next on the agenda was the issue of improving the documentation for Town Hall employees taking leave. Currently the system isn’t working well leaving the administrator with poor visibility as to who is working and who may not be available at any given time. Selectman Silva said, “I can’t believe we are having this conversation in the 21st century.” All agreed that an electronic system would give the town better analytics for workflow, time use, and accumulated time. Gagne received the board’s support to move forward into discussion with department heads.

Finally Gagne reported that the town has received four formal bids for the proposed landfill photovoltaic project. He was confident that the project will move forward given the interest demonstrated by the bids submitted.

Gagne also noted that the Town Meeting warrant should be available for public review sometime next week.

The board then went into executive session regarding preparation for upcoming negotiations with both union and non-union personnel.

By Marilou Newell

The Rochester Planning Board approved a site plan, a request for a special permit and the waiver of a peer review for the construction of a 24-by-24-foot building for Robert and Ruth Sundby for a future business involving creation of custom flower arrangements and custom-made picture frames.

Kevin Forgue from G.A.F. Engineering represented the couple at the meeting, and he said that he thought the project would be a fairly easy undertaking. The proposed structure would be built on the property that they currently reside on and would be freestanding from their home.

“We felt the project was simple enough that it did not require peer review,” Forgue said.

He added that the abutters of the property had already been notified, and that three standard parking spaces, one handicapped space, a handicapped ramp, and a porch would be included in the construction.

Site grading is the only other part of the project that is projected to take place. Forgue said that there is a natural depression that would drain water from the site and that it would not infringe onto other properties.

“I didn’t have any trouble with it,” said Board member Susan Teal. “I thought it was a reasonable proposal.”

Town Planner John Charbonneau said that if they were to hire someone outside of the residence, they would have to add a bathroom to the structure, and that “any amendments to this plan would have to come back to the Planning Board.”

The next meeting will take place April 23.

By Nick Walecka

The Solar Farm Array planned for Tinkham Hill Road and adjacent to Shady Oak Drive and North Street was again on the agenda having been continued from the last Mattapoisett Conservation Commission meeting. A small but concerned contingent of neighbors was on hand to ask questions. Their questions, however, were mainly not within the purview of the Commission.

The site will contain 12,000 solar panels over 23 acres of a 25-acre site. The land is privately owned by Dennis Mahoney and has been leased to Blue Wave LLC for the next 25 years. Trevor Hardy of Blue Wave fielded the majority of the questions from the Commission, which focused primarily on construction methods and materials. Since the scope of the work proposed for the site will not impact any wetlands, the Commission approved a Request for Determination of Applicability with a few stipulations to insure the deforestation remains within the planned acreage. Commission Conservation Agent Elizabeth Leidhold also wanted some assurance that buffering materials may be used if necessary to protect the streams and a vernal pool on North Street.

Richard Charon of Charon & Associates was also in attendance as representative to the applicants, along with five staff members from Blue Wave. The assembled learned that the 8-foot black chain link fence that will surround the solar field will be placed 165 feet from abutters’ property lines. Solar collectors and associated equipment such as inverters will be placed 275 feet from the nearest home.

Diane Ortega, a non-abutting homeowner on Shady Oak Drive, asked questions ranging from fire suppression capabilities of the town in the event of a fire at the site and what type of cleaning agents might be used on the panels. She was assured by Charon that the same skill sets used for handling a substation fire (such as the substation located on Crystal Springs Road) would be employed at the solar farm. Hardy of Blue Wave said that there wouldn’t be any cleaning of the panels, since rainwater would be sufficient. He also stated that there is a “restoration clause” in the agreement with the owner ensuring the property would be substantially returned to its natural state if Blue Wave pulled out. Hardy also stated that the project will take between 60 and 90 days and that all the clearing will take place at once.

Jeff Kocur, another non-abutting resident of Shady Oak Drive, registered alarm at not having been notified by the town of the project.

“I haven’t heard anything except from neighbors,” he said.

He was told by the Commission that residents 300 feet from the site would be receiving a notice this week for the April 18 meeting. Kocur felt, however, that it wasn’t sufficient time to prepare. He also attempted to ask questions pursuant to aesthetics and land use. Again, those questions were rebuffed as not within the limits of the Commission’s oversight.

Blue Wave has set up a meeting for April 15 at 7pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall inviting the community to join them in an informal discussion of the project. The meeting, however, will not be part of the town’s public record. The next Mattapoisett public meeting is with the Zoning Board of Appeals on April 18 at 6pm at the Town Hall. The applicant is requesting a change in the zoning status of the site to Commercial in order for this private business plan to move forward on the private parcel.

Next on the agenda was D&B Quality Construction coming before the Commission in a continuation of hearing on nonconforming buildings and gray water issues at 15 Cedarcrest Avenue. Owner Stacey Marino was not present but through her representative D&B was asking for guidance considering the costs associated with fixing all the problems on the property. Building Inspector Andrew Bobola suggested that “all the bad things could go away” if the applicant simply removed the plumbing and water supply and had the existing electrical inspected. If this were done, then his office would be able to permit the shed in spite of its proximity to neighboring property. The final hearing is scheduled for April 22.

The Mattapoisett YMCA came before the Commission and received approval to plant grasses in the dune areas for erosion control. This will help with maintaining a buffer zone between the driveway and shore.

Also receiving approval was the Highway Department’s Barry Denham for repairs on West Hill Road for approximately 1,600 linear feet that has deteriorated. This work will also include a 150-foot roadway edge drain on the north side.

Allen Decker of the Buzzards Bay Coalition then came forward for an informal discussion regarding the application of grant monies. But Commission member Bob Rogers felt the need to recuse himself from the conversation. Rogers felt that the informal discussion could have been put formally on the agenda and given full public examination. Due to a timing issue, however, Chairman Peter Newton stated that the Commission was within in rights to have a discussion versus a hearing at this time. Once Rogers had left the room, Decker was heard.

The Buzzards Bay Coalition on behalf of the Conservation Commission will be applying for grant monies to help offset expenses associated with public lands located on Acushnet Road along the river north of 195 and across the bogs formally owned by Decas Cranberries. Decker spoke to why the Water and Sewer Department could not be the applicant and the appropriateness of the Conservation Commission taking the lead. A sum of approximately $250,000 would supplement the $75,000 already received from U.S. Fish & Wildlife. A combination of grants and private donations will help to ensure the town will not spend its own funds to prepare and maintain the site for public recreational uses.

Commission members then again discussed the policy on public filings with Conservation and other boards concurrently versus in sequence. Bobola reminded the Commission that during his tenure, the manner in which applications are handled has worked well and without unnecessary delay. Rogers repeated his concern that Mattapoisett was possibly causing undue delays. Newton will review the matter with other board chairs to further review if any changes are needed.

Liedholm then gave her report, which included the announcement of a public meeting titled “Conservation and Recreation” on April 25, 7-9pm, at Old Hammondtown School. The meeting is one of two the Mattapoisett Open Space Committee will be holding with the community to discuss near-term and long-range goals from land, water, and habitat protection, parks, playing fields, bike paths, and a variety of other outdoor spaces for recreation.

The next Conservation Commission meeting is scheduled for April 22.

By Marilou Newell

Quarterly or semi-annual tax bills? That was the issue discussed at the Rochester Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Monday. Currently, Rochester utilizes a standard semi-annual tax bill. Tax bills are based on the tax rate of the prior year. The fiscal year for the town runs from July 1 to July 1.

At issue is whether the town should adopt a new formula of preliminary semi-annual based tax bills based upon the prior year’s tax rate, with bills being sent out at an estimated billing, with the accurate adjustment coming later, after the tax rate is set.

Also discussed and debated was a change to quarterly bills versus semi-annual bills.

Representatives from both the Board of Assessors and the Tax Collector’s office spoke at the meeting. The representative from the Board of Assessors addressed the board and said that 250 towns in the state issued quarterly tax bills and that only 6 issued semi-annual tax bills. The board agreed to put an article on the warrant on the Town Meeting for 2015, for the town to decide on the tax payment issue.

In other business, Michael Jackman, representing Congressman William Keating, offered Rochester residents assistance with foreclosure, immigration issues, veteran issues, or any other federal issues that may come up. Jackman gave the phone number for the New Bedford office of 508-999-6462 for residents to call.

The board discussed a return of $1,005,557, to be split by the tri-town from the Old Rochester Regional School District. Rochester Selectperson Naida Parker noted that Rochester “tightened their belt” by not giving an increase to town employees in 2012 and here was additional monies that were not previously known by the town.

The board voted and agreed on the six warrant Articles for the Town Meeting on May 20.

Board members encouraged Rochester residents to come and vote at the annual town election on April 10.

Members of the Rochester Women’s Club and the Rochester Lands Trust attended and urged residents to come on April 13 and April 20 from 9am until 2pm to pick up gloves and then trash to keep Rochester beautiful. “We hope that, by a joint effort, many will come out and clean our streets and roads,” Wendy Carrou said. Meet at the Rochester Women’s Club at 190 Marion Rd.

The Lottery Commission approved the license for a KENO To Go game at Lloyd’s Market.

The board accepted the resignation of Michael Kennefick from the Zoning Board of Appeals and is seeking a replacement. Any interested parties should contact Town Hall.

Residents are reminded that the Town Election is April 10 and annual Town Meeting is May 20.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

A group of parents asked the Mattapoisett School Committee at its meeting Monday night about the impact of a teacher cut and a potential elementary school choice program on sixth-grade class sizes at Old Hammondtown Elementary.

Recalling a similar class-size increase in recent years, parent Penny Cole said there was “lots of waiting and some discontentment among the kids.” Cole expressed concern about a fiscal year 2014 cut from four teachers to three, bringing the number of students in each section closer to the mid-20s.

“We’re also concerned about where you’re headed on school choice,” Cole said. “What is going to be the cutoff point for individual class size?”

School Committee Chair James Higgins replied that as a parent of a sixth-grader himself, he is “very sensitive to the issue of class size,” and that the “unwritten rule of thumb is 22 [students] or less” capping class sizes.

“All of the conversations about school choice have centered around not negatively impacting class size,” Higgins said, adding that while he is “conflicted” about the looming school choice issue, he is in favor of the program, saying that it could change the lives of some students while bringing in a “small net gain.” Levels of support vary from other committee members leading up to the public hearing at the Old Rochester Regional School District Committee meeting on April 10 at ORR High School.

ORR Superintendent Doug White said that “anything over 25 is an indicator … that would require an adjustment. We will continue to monitor this situation and continue to provide communication.”

One parent commented that the district’s elementary schools are “right on this edge. I just wonder about the big picture.”

OHS Principal Matt D’Andrea emphasized his “complete confidence in the teachers’ ability to reach all of the learners in the classes.” He added that there is an “effective model in place. No student’s education will be compromised.”

When committee members asked parents whether they would support school choice under any circumstances, Stefan Gabriel responded that he would if the program would bring with it a proportionate number of new teachers and paraprofessionals in the face of rising class sizes.

“I’m opposed to it,” he continued, “if it brings more students with the same number of teachers that we have, placing an extra burden on our teaching resources.”

Also discussed on Monday were the advantages and disadvantages of Mattapoisett – along with Marion and Rochester – adopting a full-day kindergarten program and phasing out half-day K altogether. While concerns once again centered around class size, the committee was in general enthusiastic about the curricular and financial gains that the shift could bring. Although the first year of “Full Day K” would cost the district upward of $25,000, state incentives would erase that deficit and bring with it additional revenue as soon as year two, according to White. Assistant Superintendent Elise Frangos, who made the evening’s presentation, said that discussions will continue.

Elsewhere on the agenda:

OHS sixth-grader Carly O’Connell was recognized for placing first nationwide in the SIFMA Foundation’s InvestWrite® student essay competition.

The committee discussed the Facilities Director’s report on the progress of repairs on the Center Elementary clock tower.

Frangos and Director of Technology Ryan McGee reported on the Mattapoisett Professional Development Needs Assessment.

Center Principal Rose Bowman commended the third-grade class on its preparation for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System test, while D’Andrea announced that OHS’s gold-medal-winning band would play at Boston Symphony Hall on April 13 at 10:30am.

By Shawn Badgley