Energy Aggregate Caught in a Stall

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The Rochester Select Board got some bad news Monday night regarding the energy-bill-lowering Energy Aggregate Plan created at the approval of the 2019 Annual Town Meeting. The town’s energy consultant, John O’Rourke, told the board that three years after that vote the state has yet to fully approve the town’s money-saving plan.

            If approved, the town would able to negotiate a less expensive per kilowatt rate for electricity than Eversource offers most utility customers. Town residents would automatically be billed under that yet-to-determined lower rate; they would have to opt out to not share that rate.

            The town’s Energy Aggregate Program Plan received Department of Public Utilities approval in December of 2021, O’Rourke said, but the town has not been awarded approval of its next step, its “compliance filing” that was sent to the DPU in January 2022.

            The DPU, in fact, has not endorsed the compliance plans of several towns, let alone Rochester, O’Rourke said. “So it’s a big delay from the department,” he said.

            O’Rourke noted that the steps remaining after this approval will include soliciting and reviewing public outreach and education efforts before finalizing the actual Electrical Supply Agreement. He speculated that national trends in energy policy may be to blame for the delay. In a later interview, however, he declined to elaborate.

            Select Board member Woody Hartley asked O’Rourke if speaking to the town’s state representatives and senators would help move things along. Hartley said he expected a result sooner than this. “Now it looks like we’re not getting it done by summer like I hoped,” he said.

            O’Rourke declined to advise further action, saying he is simply their consultant on the project itself. This led to Hartley to propose action anyway. He motioned that the town contact state house representatives to advance the issue, and the board agreed.

            Under good news, the board signed a two-year extension of the Emergency Dispatch Inter-municipal Agreement the town has had with the Duxbury-headquartered Regional Old Colony Communications Center (ROCC) since 2018.

            For the past four years, the Duxbury center has handled all the 911 calls and Police, Fire and EMS dispatching for the Town of Rochester, as well as the region’s other members, Duxbury, Plympton and Halifax.

            Expressing no complaints with the system that closed down the town’s dispatching department in 2018, the board swiftly agreed to extend the agreement after receiving mostly good news about the center’s future.

            Center director Michael Mahoney reported that several more towns are expressing interest in joining the regional dispatching center. “Some are just ‘kicking the tires’ to decide whether to join us or actively interested in joining us,” he said.

            Fairhaven and Pembroke are among those interested in joining, Mahoney said. He also noted plans are in place to upgrade the technology the center uses to connect its member towns with fiber-optic cable. By then the regional dispatching center may have enough members to make it a contiguous, centralized, dispatching region. He said there are also plans to establish a regional enterprise fund that pays all expenses from its own revenues.

            In other action, the board agreed to allow the old Council on Aging Senior Center shed to be used for firefighting practice by the town Fire Department. Town Administrator Glen Cannon noted this shed has already been replaced by a new structure and would have been torn down anyway.

            The board approved an Arbor Day ceremony at the Senior Center on Friday, May 20, at 5:30 pm. Highway Surveyor Jeff Eldridge has planted nine new trees there, and that is where the event will take place.

            The board also reminded residents the Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 23, at 7:00 pm at Rochester Memorial School. The Town Election will be held at the Senior Center on Wednesday, May 25, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Small Business Wins Marion Vote

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            No one has launched an argument against the importance of small-business growth in the Town of Marion, but victories for Carleton “Toby” Burr in the Select Board race and Tucker Burr in the Planning Board race indicate that the large turnout in Friday’s election reflect on an emerging concern in town.

            Toby Burr defeated Dr. Ed Hoffer, 524-397, for the seat vacated last week by John Waterman, who had served four years and endorsed Hoffer.

            Burr is the owner of Burr Brothers Boats, Inc., in Marion; Hoffer is a recently retired physician who holds seats on the Board of Health and the Zoning Board of Appeals and has been involved in efforts toward creating housing options for senior citizens who wish to stay in town rather than get priced out.

            “The thing I heard repeatedly is that Marion has a tough decision with two good candidates,” said Burr, who has compared the future of the Lockheed Martin property to the industrial park that slowly and successfully grew in Mattapoisett. He is not keen on the idea of residential plans for that land.

            “(Lockheed Martin) did put the issue of bringing more small businesses to town on the front runner. That was an issue that interested people,” he said. “It is a long-term project, that’s not going to happen overnight. … it’s something that takes a decade to put together.”

            Hoffer offered comment via a letter to the editor thanking those who supported not only his campaign but the entire election. He told The Wanderer he will keep his seat on the Board of Health and ZBA and will continue activities with the Friends of the Council on Aging and will continue to volunteer at the COA. He says he has other ideas as well, including teaching emergency medical technicians serving Marion.

            Toby Burr sat on the Select Board in a public meeting for the first time on Tuesday night at the Music Hall. He is well versed on the town’s infrastructural challenges and the burdens that taxpayers in town face.

            “There’s just a whole lot of things on the to-do list, and I never really prioritized them all. Again, none of them can happen overnight,” he said. “It’ll be a lot of work, but it should an interesting experience.”

            Tucker Burr, Toby’s son who now runs the family business, and Andrew Daniel were the new members on Monday night’s Planning Board meeting. Tucker Burr received 520 votes, while Daniel received 498, a wide margin for the two winners against bids from Barrett Levenson (209) and W. Dale Jones (200.)

            “I was hopeful. … You had a race with four candidates, you never know what’s going to happen,” said Daniel, who lost his Planning Board seat last year in a similar four-way race that saw John Henry and Alanna Nelson win seats while he and Tucker Burr were on the outside.

            Now they are all serving, and Daniel suspects the large voter turnout (939 of a potential 4,363) helped his cause. “Five or 600 people at the polls, things might have been a lot different,” he said. “I do feel that having a pretty popular Select Board race probably helped the Planning Board … they supported us as well.”

            The dynamics of the board, no longer with Will Saltonstall and Joe Rocha, won’t change for Daniel. “Same job, I’ve always just tried to make decisions that I thought were the best for everybody in town. I’m just going to continue to do that, I hope,” he said.

            Hoffer (Board of Health) was among several incumbents to run uncontested and maintain their seats on other boards, along with Assessor Catherine Gibbs, Moderator Brad Gordon, Open Space Acquisition Commission Chairman John Rockwell, Marion School Committee member Nichole Daniel and Old Rochester Regional School Committee member April Nye.

            With 55 write-in votes, Nichole Nye McGaffey won a one-year term on the Marion School Committee and was sworn into office. In order to continue beyond a year, she will be required to run for a three-year term in 2023.

            Marc Sylvia, Ron LaRochelle and Alan Harris received two votes each for seats on the Open Space Acquisition Commission. According to Town Clerk Lissa Magauran, Sylvia has accepted a one-year term. LaRochelle’s status was not known at press time. Harris, the former vice-chairman, declined. In order to continue beyond a year, Sylvia would be required to run for a three-year term in 2023.

            Reaffirming the May 9 Town Meeting vote that supported the borrowing of $3,000,000 toward a new $4,500,000 Department of Public Works operations center at Benson Brook, Question 1 asking voters to allow the town to exempt from the provisions of Proposition 2½ the associated bonds was approved, 592-246.

By Mick Colageo

Town Set to Tackle CWMP

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            The first informational meeting to dig into Marion’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) will be held on Monday, May 23, at 6:00 pm, at the Music Hall.

            Kent Nichols Jr. of Weston & Sampson, Inc. gave the Marion Select Board a preview of what is to come during Tuesday night’s Select Board meeting. The 20-year plan for wastewater management in Marion was outlined with a PowerPoint presentation with assistance from Laurie Toscano of Weston & Sampson via Zoom.

            Nichols said he will dig into more detail on Monday but summarized: Goals & Drivers, Process & Structure, Marion’s wastewater system and needs and alternatives, all geared to developing a recommended plan.

            Items that will be addressed include: pump station projects already underway such as Creek Road, permitting and regulatory items, treatment capacity and chemical removals.

            Sewer Expansion needs will be part of the study with evaluations of septic on large developments around town. Nichols said the systems would be ranked with an eye on a decision as to their value going forward.

            He identified 11 needs areas with alternatives favored by the Select Board and two basic questions facing the town: How much cost can each property absorb and would the town rather stay local or go regional with sewer?

            “I think you’ve done a great job, Kent, and Weston & Sampson has done a great job,” said Parker.

            Nichols asked the board what other questions should Weston & Sampson be asking the public as informational sessions approach. The members of the board indicated that the town would notify Nichols with any considerations.

            Jay McGrail used his Town Administrator’s Report to acknowledge the townspeople’s support of a new Department of Public Works operations center via both Town Meeting (May 9) and ballot-question votes (May 13.) He thanked all those who helped get the word out, noting a 76 approval in town.

            In discussing next steps, McGrail said the fine-tuning of the design and structure presents two options: a full-scale design put out to bid or a modular procurement. He said the state has a model for municipalities to use.

            “Ultimately, we need to put together a small building committee,” said McGrail, who said a skeleton version essentially exists between himself, DPW Director Nathaniel Munafo and Becky Tilden, also of the DPW. McGrail suggested adding a Select Board member and a couple of residents whose advice leading up to Town Meeting he considered beneficial, especially as the town looks to build in the Water Supply Protection District. “I think a citizens’ committee … is a great idea,” said Parker. McGrail will make recommendations.

            The state requires that Marion hire an overall project manager, and while McGrail said Facilities Manager Shaun Cormier is capable of overseeing either the DPW or the Marine Center construction, it is too much to ask him to handle both projects.

            The town recently submitted a $1,000,000 grant application to the state’s Seaport Economic Council with another for the same amount scheduled for the fall. In the next few months, the harbormaster’s headquarters project will go before the Conservation Commission. Its design and permitting money is covered by the $300,000 that the SEC previously awarded.

            Over the next couple of months, the board will begin to process McGrail’s FY23 Goals, including the elimination of those accomplished, sharing of feedback and new goals added on.

            The board voted to approve Chief of Police Richard Nighelli’s recommendation of Tyler Paquette for full-time appointment to the Marion Police force for a one-year probationary period. Paquette has been working for the Fall River Police.

            A Mental Health Awareness Walk is being organized by Old Rochester Regional High School students on Saturday, June 11, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

            The board voted to approve a sewer connection for the Silvershell Inn with special conditions. A water/sewer abatement request of $3,849.95 at 62 Water Street was approved. Water/Sewer commitments were approved for $221.30 (final readings on May 3) and $155 (sewer reconnection on May 5.)

            At the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting, the board reorganized, and newly elected Select Board member Carleton “Toby” Burr made his first motion as a member, nominating Parker as chairman, Norm Hills as vice-chair and himself as clerk. The vote was unanimous, and Parker took over the meeting opened by Hills. The night before the Select Board meeting, Hills was voted in as new chairman of the Planning Board.

            John Waterman, whose vacated Select Board seat was won by Burr in the May 13 Town Election, attended one more Select Board meeting, a special meeting called for May 12 to address water and sewer rates.

            Finance Director Judy Mooney told the board that residents are looking at a 1 percent base increase in their water bills for FY23 and that a 1 percent increase will be added to the third and fourth pricing tiers. The loss of Lockheed Martin, she said, will make an impact in revenue.

            Sewer users will see a 2 percent increase on the base rate and only 1 percent on the third and fourth tiers. McGrail called it, “the most mild adjustment in recent years. We couldn’t have been more conservative as we’ve been here.”

            Memorial Day Remembrances will be held on Monday, May 30, at 9:00 am beginning at the Music Hall with a procession up Front Street to Old Landing. Jack McLane, Marine veteran and author of “A Marine Story,” will be the guest speaker.

            The summer schedule for the Select Board will include regular June meetings on the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Music Hall, followed by July 12 and August 16 meetings at the Marion Police station.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7, at 6:00 pm at the Music Hall.

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo

SHS Speaker Series

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The Sippican Historical Society Speaker Series will host Frank McNamee speaking about Marion’s Historic Marconi Station at the Marconi Building, 13 Atlantis Drive, Marion, on May 19 at 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

            One hundred years ago, Marion’s Marconi Wireless Telegraph station was built to handle all transatlantic radio traffic, communicating directly with another high-powered wireless plant in Norway. Marion Antiques owner, Frank McNamee, will give a talk on this important connector to Europe at the turn of the last century. Joyce Kohout will also speak on her father’s experience working at the Marconi Station. Refreshments will be served beginning at 6:30, and although admission is free, donations to cover costs and to contribute to the Sippican Historical Society will be gratefully appreciated. Please RSVP to info@sippicanhistoricalsociety.org.

Living with White Sharks

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The Marion Natural History Museum presents Living with White Sharks with Department of Marine Fisheries biologist Greg Skomal, Friday May 20, 7-8 pm at the Marion Music Hall – 164 Front Street, Marion.

            White sharks have been returning to the Gulf of Maine in greater numbers in response to the regional recovery of seal populations. For more than a decade, the MA Division of Marine Fisheries and collaborators have been studying the ecology, behavior, and natural history of white sharks off the east coast of the U.S. Using state-of-the-art tagging technology, the focus of their current research has been to gain a better understanding of where, when and how white sharks hunt their prey. This presentation will highlight this research as we attempt to develop a science-based strategy for mitigating potential shark and human conflicts. Suggested museum donation: $8.00 members, $10.00 nonmembers. To register please go to www.marionmuseum.org

Three More Years for Collyer

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Mattapoisett’s native son, Jordan Collyer, held his seat on the Select Board during the May 17 Town Election with a 750-196 landslide victory over challenger Donald LaMarr.

            “I love this job,” said Collyer. “I want my children to have what I had growing up here.”

            The Select Board member thanked LaMarr for running a good campaign, saying it was an honor and a pleasure to meet him and that he hopes LaMarr would find a way to help in town government.

            Collyer ran a very low-key campaign, spending months leading up to the elections preparing for and participating in the preparation of the FY23 budget and Spring Town Meeting. When asked for his comments immediately after the win was announced, he thanked the voters for their continued support. He said the work of the town would continue Wednesday morning with a list that includes addressing school issues in the number one position. Collyer said that Town Meeting proved that people are ready to have more serious discussions regarding school spending and budgets, saying, “We need a long-term solution.” Collyer also said that completing the bike path, specifically Phase 1b, is another high priority on his list.

            Asked if this would be his last term, which would bring him to the 20-year mark, Collyer said, “My intention was to run one more time, but I’ll play it by ear.”

            He said as long as there continues to be high-caliber team members such as Town Administrator Mike Lorenco, Chief of Police Jason King and Fire Chief Andrew Murray, he might wish to try again.

            For now, the win caps a turbulent period for the town and its residents as the pandemic stretched resources in every category.

            In the only other contested race, Mike Rosa was reelected to Trustees of the Public Library with 614 votes. The other three-year term went to Bill Coquillette, who edged Donald Fleming, 480-430.

            Two three-year terms were taken on the Mattapoisett School Committee by write-in candidates Cristine Cowles (388 votes) and Amanda Hasting (385) and retiring Mattapoisett Schools Principal Rose Bowman garnered 781 votes in her campaign for a three-year term on the Old Rochester Regional School Committee. Receiving write-in votes in unsuccessful bids for Mattapoisett School Committee were Rick Riley (194) and Lyn Pelland (147.)

            Attorney John Mathieu ran unopposed for an open seat on the Planning Board and got 688 votes for a three-year term.

            Write-in counts made for a long night for election volunteers, and two other openings were won by write-in candidates: Michelle Bernier (66) to a three-year term on the Board of Health and Dana Barrows (25) to a three-year term on the Water and Sewer Commission.

            Incumbents running unopposed included: Cary Leblanc (771 votes) on the Board of Assessors; James Pierson (699) and Susan Wilbur (759) on the Community Preservation Committee; Suzanne Kennedy (721) on the Mattapoisett Housing Authority; Constable Kenneth Pacheco (746); Herring Inspector Jonathan Wilbur (724); Moderator John Eklund (762); and Tree Warden Roland Cote (779.)

By Marilou Newell

Morse, Murphy Talk with Rochester Voters

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The Rochester Council on Aging’s candidates’ forum on Monday night at the Senior Center introduced attendees and the town to the contenders in three races that will be decided at the May 25 Town Election.

            Incumbent Selectman Brad Morse is facing a challenge for reelection from Adam Murphy, the deputy harbormaster for the Town of Marion. Veteran incumbent Rochester School Committee member Sharon Hartley is being opposed for reelection to a three-year term by local parent Melissa Anne Goneau.

            Jason Chisholm, Gregory Hardy and James O’Brien are competing for the Rochester School Committee seat that veteran board member Tina Rood vacated last year. Chisholm is the current appointee filling the seat. The election is for a two-year term.

            Morse introduced himself at the podium by noting his experience in town government, his eight years as a selectman preceded by 12 years on the Planning Board.
            The board he has served on has proposed important projects, he said, and it has hired full-time town officials to help the town move forward more efficiently. In answer to an audience question, he said the current board is considering using the federal ARPA funds that the town will receive for projects at the Highway Department. He elaborated the board is looking to build new fire and police station quarters, but ARPA funds require that the project be shovel ready “and we want to get the plans just right,” he said.

            The current board, he said, is also keeping an eye on the proposed 212-unit, 40R development being planned in Rochester, and it is keeping a tight handle on the proposed MBTA mandate that towns near their new stations require more housing. The board is watching closely to make sure this new regulation does not affect Rochester too adversely.

            Murphy, the son of Murphy’s Auto owner Michael Murphy, said he has joined his father’s business but has also worked on the Marion Fire Department for 10 years and the Marion Police Department for another 10 years.

            While on the Fire Department, Murphy helped successfully join the department with the ambulance service. He is now a Marion Police patrolman and deputy harbormaster, where he helps with budgeting. He said he would bring all the experiences he’s learned in his careers – teamwork, management, budgeting, seeking important grant funding – to the job of Rochester selectman.

            He emphasized that he is particularly skilled at helping the town through changing public safety regulations. “There is no longer an opportunity to hire a reserve police officer,” he said. “The experience they need is different now. My first-hand knowledge of this police reform gives me the experience to guide the town through these tough times.”

            Hartley noted she has devoted her entire working life to education, from being an elementary school teacher at Rochester Memorial School and a principal on Cape Cod to serving on the local school board for 18 years. She said she believes in service and responsibility and wants to continue to help keep the Rochester school moving forward.

            Her challenger, Goneau, introduced herself as a mother and grandmother of students in the Rochester schools who has concerns about the way school systems across the state are being run. She said she would find ways to take control back from state mandates. She said her main issue on the school board will be paying close attention to what curriculum gets approved and how and whether it is funded. “I want to be a voice against things that come at us from the back door,” she said.

            The current holder of the two-year school committee seat, Chisholm, spoke via a Zoom call due to a professional commitment. He introduced himself as a sales manager for a Boston company who considers Rochester his adopted home. A native of Bedford and the son of military parents, he described himself as a man of high moral character who wants to keep working on the issues that affect the schools.

His wife is from New Bedford, he said, and they have 14, 10 and 8-year-old sons.

            Chisholm said he wasn’t looking to join the committee until being asked to fill the recent vacancy because of his involvement in a local nonprofit. Now he wants to keep his involvement on the school board going strong. “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and I look forward to working cooperatively to get it done,” he said.

            Hardy, a fellow contender for the two-year seat, said he has lived in Rochester since 2016 and has two children at the Rochester Memorial School. He emphasized that he would be a strong voice for parents and the community, “for the safety and well-being of all students.”

            Hardy singled out when in February the school committee “refused to listen to the opinion of parents,” he said. The committee had received the results of a survey that showed 80 percent of parents wanted to make the wearing of facemasks optional. Still, the committee voted that night to totally lift the mask mandate, he complained. “They wouldn’t listen to the voice of the community,” he said. “I will be a strong voice for the parent and medical freedom.”

            O’Brien is the retired superintendent-director of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School. He said he has lived in Rochester for 27 years. He noted he has spent over 35 years in vocational school education and retired seven months ago. He said he wants to join the Rochester School Committee now because he wants the students whose lives have been disrupted emotionally and academically by the Covid pandemic to get the extra help and support they need. As a school member, he would strongly advocate for that increased support.

By Michael J. DeCicco

Marion Town Party

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The Marion Town Party will be held beginning at 4:00 pm on Saturday, August 27 at Silvershell Beach. There will be food and beverages for sale, music and fun for the kids.

            For up to date information please “Like” our Facebook page – Marion Town Party. We will have more details to share in the coming weeks. We look forward to celebrating with you!

ORRHS Senior Class Events

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–May 16: Senior Locker Cleanout; Bulldog Block

–May 19/20: Last Day of Classes, only blocks 1 and 2 on 5/20

–May 20: Senior Picnic, dismissed after block 2

–May 23-26: Senior Final Exams

–May 31: Senior Prom, 6:30-10 pm

–June 2: Graduation Rehearsal, 9:00 am

–June 2: Senior Awards Night, 6:30 pm

–June 3: Senior Assembly, 9:00 am

–June 3: Senior Walk, immediately following Senior Assembly

–June 3: Senior Parade, 6:30 pm

–June 4: Graduation, 12 pm

Mattapoisett Select Board Candidates

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Editor’s Note: Below are statements from Mattapoisett Select Board candidates Jordan Collyer and Donald LaMarr. The Town of Mattapoisett will hold its Election on Tuesday, May 17, at Old Hammondtown School.

Jordan Collyer – Mattapoisett Select Board

First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many citizens of Mattapoisett for their continued years of support. Also, I would like to thank the employees of Mattapoisett. Without you, we would not operate as smoothly as we have. Despite turnover in many positions, the team that is on board continues to exceed expectations in many areas. Throughout my years in office, we have had many struggles and equally as many successes. Through trying financial times to the loss of key teammates, the town has come out stronger and well positioned to weather most any storm. To this day, Mattapoisett continues to have an excellent bond rating and has become a role model for other towns with our sound fiscal policies and actions. It took many years to achieve and maintain this status. If re-elected, it is my plan to continue our policy of not taxing to the full extent of 2.5 percent, but rather use only what is needed to maintain and judiciously improve services. As we all know, housing prices have been staggering and will continue to rise. Truthfully, this is not within any of our control; however, we do have the ability to work with landowners, developers and the Commonwealth to encourage opportunities for those that wish to remain in town. There is no “silver bullet,” but we can surely continue our efforts to seek options and rally behind those that have made this town great for so many years. Continued conversations around sustainable education costs, adequate services for all residents, and programs that can benefit the generations in this town will be critical to success. Keeping the town affordable for all is a goal I believe all of us would like to see long term. I respectfully ask you for your support and vote on May 17th. I continue to love what I do for the town and will not back down from the challenges and difficult conversations that are necessary. It is my intent to serve you all for another three years with the same dedication you have come to expect.

Donald LaMarr – Mattapoisett Select Board

            I have lived in Mattapoisett for over 25 years, and I believe it is now time for a change on the Select Board. When my mom died of Alzheimer’s disease several years ago, it devastated me. It made me realize how important it is to help seniors and give back to this town I am proud to live in. I want the seniors to feel comfortable in their own homes, and not have to go to an assisted living facility or a nursing home if they don’t have to. I believe they should spend their golden years in their own home, have a support system that includes family and friends, and to make use of the necessary home services that are available. While working in the Bristol County Sheriff’s office, I worked in Homeland Security. But I also spent time speaking at senior centers, warning seniors about those that prey on the elderly and to beware of scams. I do not like seniors being taken advantage of. I promise you that, if I am elected, I will do my very best and work hard for all of the residents of Mattapoisett to make sure everyone is treated fairly. I will work to make sure the town budget is spent wisely, that teachers are recognized for all of the hard work they do, and to work to make the town more affordable for young couples who want to live here. I believe in an open line of communication and a face-to-face, open-door policy. I am willing to hear every word and act on your request with a swift and honest decision. Since retiring two years ago, I have returned to my love of building and collecting cars. It is my passion. But my passion is also believing that I can make a different for the residents of Mattapoisett. A new face and fresh ideas. Please vote for me on May 17.