Alvin Johnson’s first meeting in many years as a member of the Marion Board of Health coincided with long-awaited news of improvements at previously troublesome residences on Pitcher Street.

            In reporting to the board on behalf of absent acting Health Agent Bob Ethier, Public Health Director Lori Desmarais told the board that the cars at 33 Pitcher Street are gone and the yard has been cleaned up. At 28 Pitcher Street, ongoing house and garage work was expected to be completed this week.

            Happy to get 33 Pitcher Street “off the books,” Board of Health Chairman Dr. John Howard said that since the board had canceled a requested, in-person meeting with the property owner at 28 Pitcher Street, the board would give the owner some choices for next steps in correspondence with the town. Neighbors, Howard noted, are no longer complaining.

            Desmarais’ news at 464 Front Street was also positive. After several visits, she reported, most issues have been resolved and work completed, including repairs from a tree that fell on the roof.

            Finally, no violations were noted regarding the retention pond at Little Neck Village.

            Septic updates were also disseminated by Desmarais.

            In addressing the septic upgrade at 664 Mill Street, Desmarais said the matter was sent to Barnstable-based, contracted engineer George Heufelder for his review. She said she would also reach out to Rick Charon to clarify that the septic installation should be according to a residential facility.

            Remembering the address during a prior case years ago, Johnson called the property a “very wet area” and recalled that a printing business had been on the location. “They never found any nitrogen in the groundwater,” he noted.

            The residence at 278A Delano Road has met the board’s conditions, and the town has reviewed the as-built plans with a favorable outcome.

            The application at East Avenue was also sent to Heufelder, and Desmarais said she reached out to Brian Grady of G.A.F. Engineering on the morning of the meeting. Desmarais was waiting on Grady to send a revised plan regarding the nitrogen.

            Updating a Notice of Non-Compliance at 570 Front Street, the owners have been notified that they either have to connect to town sewer or maintain the existing septic system, but neither is happening, according to Desmarais’ report. Building Commissioner Bob Grillo reached out, and Desmarais left a message without response. The betterment for the sewer connection has been paid, and Department of Public Works Interim Director Becky Tilden indicated that the $10,000 septic-installation fee would be waived.

            Eight food inspections need to be performed.

            Marion’s attempt to hire a new part-time (19 hours per week) health agent had not achieved result by the October 20 meeting. Desmarais told the board she planned to consult with acting Town Administrator Judy Mooney regarding next steps.

            In her Public Health Director Update, Desmarais reported 41 COVID-19 cases for September and 29 through October 20. She noted, however, that home testing does not register among reportable numbers.

            COVID tests are available, she said, at the Cushing Community Center and other town locations.

            Marion conducted seven vaccine clinics including flu shots and COVID boosters. On Monday, the town held a flu-vaccine clinic. Desmarais is also working with Stop & Shop to hold a Pfizer booster clinic at Little Neck Village. Marion has administered 350 flu shots and 55 COVID boosters.

            Home visits and Community EMS efforts in Marion are focused on fall-risk assessment and taking stock of grab bars, floor surfaces, the condition of homes’ smoke detectors and lock boxes to avoid the potential need to break down front doors. They are also referring residents to Coastline Elderly Services.

            In other action, the board voted to appoint Johnson as clerk.

            Early in the meeting, Johnson was welcomed aboard by Howard, who noted Johnson’s vast experience and ability to help the board move forward. Board member Dr. Ed Hoffer attended the meeting via Zoom.

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for Thursday, November 3, at 4:00 pm.

Marion Board of Health

By Mick Colageo

Behind the scenes, members of many permitting boards individually visit construction projects and other sites to gain firsthand knowledge of what they will be required to hear and act upon once public hearings are underway. That was the case on October 20 when the Mattapoisett ZBA opened its meeting. During the course of the proceedings, several members noted they had visited various addresses to gain a sense of what had driven property owners to seek special permits.

            The first of those heard on this night was an application for a Special Permit filed by Peter Turowski, 3 Indian Avenue, for construction of a new deck with a nonconforming setback. The residence on the property is a ranch-style, 1975 structure, the filing detailed. ZBA member Tony Tranfaglia commented, “It’s a nice project.” A Special Permit was granted by unanimous vote.

            Next up was a request for a Special Permit by Steven and Joy Warren, 8 Briar Road. The filing requested the permit to build an elevated, first-floor, 366-square-foot deck.

            Represented by David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc., the Warrens’ plans had previously received clearance from the Conservation Commission, Davignon said. ZBA member Colby Rotler commented that the project was in keeping with the neighborhood. The Special Permit was granted.

            Number three in the series of special permits receiving unanimous approval was a filing by Jeffrey and Tania Phillips, 3 Pigwacket Lane, for the construction of a detached garage. Also representing the Phillips, Davignon said the 23×27-foot structure would not include living space above the garage. He confirmed that the site, complex for its location in a riverfront zone, was vetted by the Conservation Commission. He also said that the home planned for the site, not part of this filing, would receive water and sewer service. The Special Permit was approved.

            The final hearing of the evening was filed by Michael and Cecilia Halter, 5 Beach Road, for a second-floor addition measuring 225×40 feet. Developer Christin McCullough said that the original footprint of the home would be maintained and that the reason for requesting a Special Permit was due to an existing easement through the property. The board approved the request.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals was not scheduled upon adjournment.

Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals

By Marilou Newell