Rochester’s Conservation Commission spent most of its Tuesday meeting reviewing and fielding abutters’ concerns over a Notice of Intent for proposed work on an access road for a ground-mounted solar array system within a bordering vegetated wetlands in the area of 600 Snipatuit Road.

            The proposal by Logging Swamp Solar c/o ReWild Renewables includes work within the 200-foot riverfront area associated with an on-site perennial stream as well as within a local 25-foot No Disturb zone. Project representative Sarah Sterns of Beals and Thomas Engineering began the hearing by explaining that a former logging road is the only way to access where the 49-acre site will be developed with a solar panel array. Two small areas of vegetated wetlands will be altered to connect them as a way to improve the groundwater flow, and a small timber bridge will be built. This will result in a 2500-foot road that the project’s construction equipment will need, she said.

            Abutters responded with strong concerns that the project will send more water onto their properties. Alan Gragnani of 655 Snipatuit Road complained the proposed road would be 40 feet from his property and 100 feet from his well. He said he and his neighbors have a lot of concerns. “I’m terrified by my concern about how this will affect my quality of life,” added Lisa Christensen of 663 Snipatuit Road.

            Commission Chair Christopher Gerrior suggested the developer look again into other places to build access to the solar field site, such as through easements across some abutters’ properties more upland of the site. Sterns, taking notes on all the comments she received, said she will look into all suggestions and share them with the developer. Upon Sterns’ request, the board continued the hearing to June 3.

            A Notice of Intent filed by Seaport Homes to construct a single-family home with associated clearing, grading and installation of utilities at a new address on Gifford Lane also filled the meeting room seats with concerns and protests that the project should not be built in such a wetlands sensitive area. Andy Hammersmith and other members of the Snows Pond Association said it was unacceptable that a house could be built there. “It is not buildable in any way,” he said.

            The commission ultimately issued the project an Order of Conditions, but with special conditions related to the abutters’ feedback. Permanent markers will be placed to delineate where wetlands begin. No fertilizer will be used. A septic system that will hold the groundwater’s nitrogen and phosphorous will be installed.

            In other action, the commission certified the completion of a project to construct a single-family home with associated grading and landscaping at 22 High Street by granting applicant Olivia Richard a Certificate of Compliance

            The commission approved an After-the-Fact Notice of Intent application for a proposal to cut trees and yard renovations within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone at 56 Marion Road. Applicant Justin Pavao explained he did not realize he was violating wetland laws when he and his wife began clearing the dense brush and the overgrown garden om his property.

            The board continued to June 3 a Notice of Intent hearing on constructing a 20,000 square-foot commercial building with associated access drives, parking areas, utilities and storm water management system at a new address on Cranberry Highway. Applicant Seaport Enterprises’ representative Bob Rogers requested the continuance pending the town engineer’s peer review and his hearing with the Rochester Planning Board next week.

            The next Conservation Commission meeting will be May 20 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

            The League of Women Voters South Coast hosted a candidates’ night on April 30 at Old Hammondtown School for those seeking election in Mattapoisett’s local elections scheduled for Tuesday, May 20.

            Kris Eastman of the LWV spoke before passing to Moderator Jack Eklund, the recently retired moderator for the Town of Mattapoisett. Eklund, also a member of the LWV, is an attorney and is keeping a busy schedule moderating candidates’ nights across Massachusetts. He also was moderator of Marion’s candidates’ night the day prior.

            The moderator assured the public that all candidates running were invited, though some did not respond. Candidates who participated are seeking election to Town Assessor, Mattapoisett School Committee, Trustees of the Public Library, and two contested races for Board of Health and Old Rochester Regional School Committee.

            In the race for a seat on the Board of Health. Douglas Schneider appeared against Michele Bernier, who is running for re-election. Bernier introduced herself first, saying she bought her current home on Pearl Street in 1987 and commuted to Boston for many years before transitioning to real estate and meeting locals. She was elected to the Select Board, serving from 1996 to 1999.

            “I enjoyed the policy side of government – I got hired as the assistant town administrator in North Attleboro,” noted Bernier, who worked in that position for 20 years until saying her work as solid-waste manager, a role she enjoyed, took up most of her time. This, she said, is what brought her to the Board of Health.

            Schneider spoke next, remarking on moving to the area in 1975 and graduating from ORR. He described his work in commercial development, being a civil engineer, registered land surveyor, certified soil evaluator, and certified septic-system inspector.

            There were four questions asked of the candidates. The first was a multi-part, being: “What are the responsibilities of the Mattapoisett Board of Health? Why are you seeking the position, and what knowledge or skills do you bring to the Board of Health?”

            Schneider answered first, primarily focusing on his experience in community development and desire to learn the job. He also mentioned his daughter being a nurse and looking to draw on and do right by her.

            Bernier went next, speaking of the importance and connection of the Board of Health and its visibility in town with them coming to your home, should a concern arise.

            The second question was: “If elected, what do you hope to accomplish during your three-year term on the Board of Health?” Bernier went first, stating a swap shop is opening soon at the transfer station that she wishes to support. She also mentioned finding new markets for recycled cardboard, as China is no longer viable. Bernier also stated she wants to help in the development of a compost program. Schneider again emphasized his desire to learn but said he has “no specific agenda to accomplish.” He added, “I just want to do what’s best for the town.”

            The third question was: “As a member of the Mattapoisett Board of Health, how would you address any conflict-of-interest issues that may arise in the course of performing your duties on behalf of the town?”

            Schneider answered first, stating, “I feel this question may be addressed to me because I used to run a business in town.” He said he solely does work on Cape Cod and no longer conducts any business in Mattapoisett. Bernier also stated she does not work in town and would face no conflict of interest.

            The final question was: “What are some of the major challenges or concerns that the Board of Health may have to handle within the next two-to-five years, and will the Board of Health have the bandwidth to deal with these challenges or concerns?”

            Bernier answered first, saying she would like to see the board increase membership from three members to five. She also said the hiring of a new Public Health nurse is paramount, with the current nurse leaving soon. Schneider answered next, focusing on regulations regarding the “extremely expensive” septic systems featuring denitrification technology. He stated regulations regarding these systems is forthcoming.

            The candidates running for the ORR School Committee were next to speak. Both candidates are running for the first time for a three-year term. They also had four questions to answer.

            Nina Datshkovsky-Ennis spoke first, saying she wanted to “support every child’s potential academically, physically, and emotionally.” Being a mother of two boys who attended ORR schools, she emphasized the importance of sports and after-school programs. She also discussed her multicultural background, stating that being of Mexican/American descent with Ukrainian-Jewish and Spanish-Catholic heritage gives her a unique and strong appreciation for different cultures.

            Betsy Stewart spoke next, citing her skills as a leader with business-resource management as an important factor. She stated she wants to accelerate learning growth and lessen the town’s tax burden.

            The first question was: “What are the responsibilities of the School Committee? What inspired you to run for the School Committee and what unique perspectives or skills do you bring to the role?” Stewart highlighted the importance of the School Committee’s role in public relations and communication between schools and the public, with Datshkovsky-Ennis also focused on communication, saying it was crucial to policy change and approval.

            The second question was: “As a member of the ORR School Committee, what do you see as your role in ensuring safety for all students, maintaining academic standards while also allowing parental control over what students learn?” Datshkovsky-Ennis spoke first, saying she values the importance of balance with a focus on clear policy and staff training. For parents, she is an advocate for transparency and partnership. Stewart listed many policies and procedures the schools already do to keep kids safe but mentioned the importance of building and HVAC upkeep.

            The third question was: “How would you prioritize educational programs and operational needs when federal funding to the state has been cut off, and what plans do you have to seek alternative funding sources to address gaps left by the federal funding shortfall?” Stewart dismissed worries of federal funding cuts, emphasizing Massachusetts’s independence and reliance on the federal government for 5% of funding. Her priorities for funding are staffing and staff healthcare. She also spoke of the importance of maintaining student services and Individual Education Plans. Datshkovsky-Ennis focused on Title 1 and the protection of low-income families, also stating that she is not concerned with a lack in federal funding. She would prioritize teacher support, special education, and classroom needs.

            The final question was: “The Massachusetts Civil Learning Coalition reported (a) 2015 survey of Massachusetts District Superintendents found that 60% rated levels of civil learning in their districts as ‘insufficient,’ and 65% reported offering few or limited or occasional opportunities for civic learning. What do you know about the civil learning opportunities offered and taught at ORR?”

            Datshkovsky-Ennis began, “we can do better.” She wants more hands-on curriculum and mock debates. She added, “We must raise students to be informed and engaged citizens with respect for diverse perspectives and a commitment to the democratic process.” Stewart followed, focusing on cooperation with new state-led initiatives and more community participation. She also approves of lower-grade programs to build up a “strong base” so more advanced topics can be tackled in high school.

            Before the candidates in the two contested races spoke, the audience heard from other candidates for public office.

            The first candidate to address the audience was Cary LeBlanc, running unopposed for town assessor. LeBlanc is running for her fifth term and stated she has sat on the board for 15 years. She stated her parents and grandparents were born and raised in Mattapoisett, with her living in the town since high school. LeBlanc emphasized her desire to give back to the town and mentioned she, in conjunction with her duties for the town, has worked as a residential real estate attorney for 24 years in Marion.

            Next was Mackenzie Emmons, running for one of two open seats on the Mattapoisett School Committee. Emmons spoke on the importance of keeping kids safe in school and remarked on her work in special education for 16 years. For the last seven years, she has served as a BCBA (board certified behavior analyst). She stated, “throughout my career, I focused and deeply rooted ethically in representing individualized education for children with developmental disabilities and behavior disorders.” She also serves as the vice president of the Mattapoisett PTA and a youth basketball coach. She had also served on the NCAA’s Student Athletic Advisory Committee before her professional career. Also running is Cristin Cowles, who was not present.

            Jeanne Hopkins, running for Library Trustee, was up next, who began by quoting Michelle Obama, saying, “I want to state Michelle Obama recently reminded us, ‘if you don’t like what you see happening, do something about it.’” She spoke of the importance of libraries to her and of receiving her first library card at the age of five. In terms of her motivation for running, she said, “I believe in keeping our library strong, well supported, and responsive to the needs of everyone in our town.”

            Eklund stated that mail-in ballot requests must be completed by Friday, May 9, with the last day to vote by mail being May 13 at 5:00 pm. The Mattapoisett Town Election will be held on Tuesday, May 20, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at Old Hammondtown School.

Mattapoisett Candidates Night

By Sam Bishop