A June 22 public hearing of the Marion Conservation Commission determined that while Robert Meehan’s plan to install an 18 by 38-foot in-ground swimming pool with a 5-foot-wide concrete deck, spa, equipment pad and pool shed at 50 Lewis Street lies in an area subject to the state’s Wetlands Protection Act, the construction will not remove, fill, dredge or alter the land and therefore does not require the filing of a Notice of Intent.

            The Negative Box 2 Determination of Applicability was the only adjudication by the commission on June 22, and it was a nice way for Shaun Walsh to conclude his two-year hitch as chairman of the commission.

            At the conclusion of its meeting, the commission voted to reorganize, electing Jeff Doubrava as its new chairman. Doubrava, a past chair, was willing to resume as chair and had the full support of the commission. Marc Bellanger, the vice chair, plans to step down from the commission within a couple of months. Emil Assing was voted in as vice chair and Ethan Gerber as commission clerk.

            Meehan’s determination was not made without due diligence.

Walsh and Doubrava visited the site on June 17, then heard in the public hearing from Meehan’s representative, Bob Rogers, a project engineer/manager with Wareham-based G.A.F. Engineering.

            Rogers described the planned pool as being “almost directly behind the house” and serviced by in-ground utilities. The resource area is limited to land subject to coastal-storm flowage and lies within an AE-15 zone. The land, said Rogers, is relatively flat, changing from 14 feet to 13 feet in grade over a 150-foot span. Rogers said that Meehan seeks to make improvements on the property but, for this summer would just like to install the pool and avoid the time constraints that come with a notice of intent and an order of

            Acknowledging the need for a cover which is shown on the site plan and the potential for a chain-link fence pending Marion’s building code, Rogers told the commission that the driveway is useable for the project’s purposes and that the layout will allow for the pool installation without any disturbance to the neighborhood.

            Meehan sought a negative determination with notice to town offices just before the start of work.

            Walsh said the site is beyond the limit of moderate wave action. There are no trees in the area of the yard where the pool will be installed. The commissioners voted to close the public hearing and addressed other business before taking a vote.

            Walsh told the commissioners that he confirmed via a phone call earlier on June 22 the Marion Golf Club’s reception of board administrator Terri Santos’ email advising the club of the June 9 Enforcement Order issued for Unpermitted Activity at the 10 South Drive club.

            An apparent misunderstanding as to the deadline for a response was reported by Walsh to the commission. He said he was told on the June 22 call that the club intended to issue a response to the order on June 23.

            Walsh then explained that the deadline was actually two-fold, June 23 being the deadline for the club to file a restoration plan with the town. But the first deadline, he said, was to reestablish the flagging of the wetlands line and was set for 10 days from the order’s issuance (June 19.) That was not done as of the June 22 ConCom meeting, according to Walsh.

            “We’ll see what we get tomorrow (June 23,) and we’ll go from there,” Walsh said.

            In regards to the controversial dock construction at 122 Register Road, Walsh reported that the applicant responded to the concerns of other users of Wings Cove to shorten the length of the dock.

            “We were concerned about the impact to salt marsh,” said Walsh, who noted that Conservation Agent Doug Guey-Lee had visited the site and so did he with Doubrava. “We were surprised that the area is still in bad shape. I don’t think there’s any way to put a shine on that.”

            Having hoped that tidal cycles through the colder months would have fostered a regeneration of conditions on the land side where the piling had taken place in the fall season, Walsh mused as to next steps. Doubrava suggested approaching the applicant based on his willingness during construction to cooperate.

            “To their credit, I personally witnessed them using swamp mats, but I suppose the marsh … was very spongy …,” said Walsh.

            John and Pamela Lees requested a further continuance on their Notice of Intent for the reconstruction of a single-family house, including an inground swimming pool along with repair of a seawall, at 49 Water Street. The commission voted to continue the public hearing to July 13 at 7:00 pm.

            In response to requests for comments to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Bonnie Ellis and Craig Huntley, 13 Wianno Road, and to the Planning Board regarding Cynthia Servais, Savor the Spread, 119 Wareham Road, Unit 102A, the commission determined that neither case was jurisdictional.

Walsh briefly addressed a forestry plan of the town’s Open Space Acquisition Commission, from which Chairman John Rockwell sought the commission’s feedback. Members were asked to formulate thoughts to share with Rockwell prior to MOSAC’s next meeting on July 7.

            The commission met on June 8 and issued the following decisions:

            Matthew DeGroot filed a Notice of Intent for the treatment and removal of nonnative, invasive plant species throughout portions of Lots 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 at 14 Aucoot Avenue. Doubrava crafted the motion that was voted an Order of Conditions for the project.

            Sippican Lands Trust, per Assing’s motion, was issued a Negative Box 2 Determination of Applicability for its project to repair and replace the bog bridges along the woodland trail at Osprey Marsh’s Tucker’s Trail at 354 Point Road.

            D. Paul Dimaggio Trust was issued a Negative Determination Box 3, per Bellanger’s motion, to pump out and backfill existing septic-system components located within the bigger zone of a coastal bank. The new septic system will be installed outside of the buffer zone of the coastal bank and outside of the 100-year flood plain. Assing’s suggestion for a condition to extend the siltation barrier by 10 feet on both ends was included.

            Stone Rooster Realty Group LLC was issued a Negative Determination Box 2, green lighting its installation of a proper foundation wall with footings on southeastern front quarter of structure and add a small foundation for an interior stair along the rear of the building inside set back of the structure.

A continued public hearing for applicant Michael Craffey’s management of invasive plants at 522 Point Road was continued further to July 13 at the applicant’s request.

            Civil and coastal engineer (and six-year Marion resident) Matt Schultz of the Woods Hole Group agreed to serve on the commission in an associate role, and the commission voted to recommend his appointment to the Select Board.

            Schultz impressed the commission with preparation for his own application a month ago. Walsh, Guey-Lee and other members of the commission extended his welcome to the group.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, July 13, at 7:00 pm.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Mick Colageo

            Kristine Medeiros was back before the Old Rochester Regional School Committee on June 22, seeking approval to double the number of home dates that Old Rochester Youth Football was allowed last year to use the high school’s multi-use, stadium field for home games.

            The request had been tabled while ORR Principal Mike Devoll got a chance to see how the spring season played out, how the boys and girls lacrosse teams fared on the natural field and if, in his estimation, it could withstand up to four appearances for ORYF this fall.

            Having had that time, Devoll made a statement.

            “I am in support of them using the field for their home games provided weather conditions allow for their play,” he said, noting that the weather on last year’s ORYF home dates was optimal.

            Devoll alluded to varsity coaches’ meetings and the reported support for youth football at the high school.

            “We feel as though being on campus helps kids see themselves as future Bulldogs. … There was no coach in the room who was against these efforts,” he said.

            Committee member Jason Chisholm called it “an easy support for me,” noting that those most impacted by usage of the field are not concerned.

            Committee member Jim Muse recalled prior discussion determining that ORYF would not have a long-term solution at the ORR stadium field. “This is a real band-aid,” he said.

            Committee Chairperson Heather Burke cautioned the group to maintain accuracy for the record in using the language of “games” versus “days” when discussing field usage. Medeiros confirmed that each usage date includes four to six youth football games.

            The School Committee’s vote was nearly unanimous, approving the ORYF Association’s use of the multipurpose field for up to four dates this fall, subject to an agreeable user fee and the principal’s authority to cancel any date based on changing conditions. Burke’s was the lone dissenting vote.

            “It means so much to the youth to play on that field,” said Medeiros. “Even more than that, it’s really vital to the longevity of the program so I would just like to say thank you all so much. It means more than you guys know.”

            Devoll also introduced a disc-golf proposal for the high school, seeking feedback from the committee. He said meetings with ORR teachers Andy Apperson and Nathan Kane and Athletic Director Bill Tilden, then with Assistant Superintendent Howie Barber and Facilities Director Gene Jones led to the June 22 presentation made by Apperson and Kane.

            Committee members expressed support for disc golf at the high school. Muse praised the thoroughness of the proposal and encouraged the group to consider partial coverage should the entire layout not be financially or feasible for any other reason. Joe Pires said the game is extremely popular.

            No vote was taken on disc golf.

            The committee voted to approve Memorandums of Agreement with the Old Rochester Instructional Assistants Association dated September 1, 2022, through August 31, 2025, and with the Old Rochester Secretarial Association dated July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025, with the United Electrical Radio Machine Workers of America Local 248 Union dated July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025, and with the Old Rochester Educators Associated dated July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025.

            The ORR School Committee also voted to meet on the following dates: September 7, October 19, December 14, January 25, March 15, April 26, May 31 and June 21.

            The committee voted to approve classroom leases for $9,160 and $3,783, as set by SMEC.

The committee voted to approve ORR’s volunteer insurance option on student usage of school electronics such as Chromebooks with coverage based on a $25 flat fee.

            Three Student Handbook revisions were also approved that according to Devoll, would more accurately reflect practices. Assistant Principal Vanessa Harvey said Minimum Student Requirements will now be tied to class credit.

            The revision will state that students are required to be enrolled in seven credit-earning courses (students taking an Advanced Placement course are required to take six credit-earning courses.) Other tweaked areas involve school enrollment being tied to grade-point average and school transcripts. Attendance requirements were also tweaked.

            Muse expressed concern with what he considered an “overly broad” mandate with potential ramifications minus a caveat of review by administration or exceptions. Devoll said the flexibility piece is equivalent programs. Muse voted against the revisions, but the motion carried.

            The committee needed less time to approve the disposal of equipment and the completion of summer warrants until September 7 by Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber.

            Devoll told the committee that ORR is committed to hiring a Guidance director and has identified a candidate.

            The committee’s May 18 vote that rejected the Fair Share Amendment was recounted, based on new information that a two-thirds vote was not needed due to the lack of fiscal impact. The June 22 vote to recount the May 18 votes resulted in approval of the Fair Share Amendment based on a simple majority.

            ORR multi-sport athlete Maggie Brogioli received public recognition for her Pentathlon performance resulting in her being named a New Balance All-American.

District staff retirees Donna Perry, Nancy Cowen, Nancy Juvinall, Maureen Barrett, Lynne Velozo, Matt             McGraw and Donna Kirk were recognized, and books apropos of their specialties were donated           to their respective school libraries in their names.

Burke was also honored by Nelson at the meeting, and former Chairman (and Rochester resident) Cary Humphrey made a special appearance to add words of appreciation.

            Burke gave her final chairperson’s report, thanking Paul Naiman, Shay Assad, Woody Hartley and Jay McGrail for their work streamlining communications between the ORR School District and the          

            Nelson introduced Kelly Chouinard, the new assistant principal at the junior high school.

            The committee entered executive session to discuss negotiations and to comply with state laws.

            During Open Comment, Rochester resident Karen Thomas asked if executive session could be scheduled at the end of meetings to incentive greater public participation. Burke directed her to contact the Central Office for an explanation.

            With Burke’s retirement from the committee, Michelle Smith will henceforth act as chairperson. The next meeting of the ORR School Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, September 7, at 6:30 pm.

ORR School Committee

By Mick Colageo

State Representative William Straus announced on Monday night that the Town of Mattapoisett has been awarded a state grant in the amount of $120,000 for further engineering study of the bike path’s Phase 2a planning.

            Originally, The Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path in partnership with the town’s Bike Path Committee had applied for a Community Preservation Act grant in the amount of $120,000, the estimated costs for preplanning and an engineering study required for the recreational path’s Phase 2a.

            Phase 2a includes bringing the path from Goodspeed Island Road across Route 6 and weaving through residential areas along the railroad easement to the entrance of Industrial Drive. Here, it is proposed the Mattapoisett path would link up to Marion’s extension thereof near the Bay Club. The CPA committee reviewed and accepted their grant application.

            But at the 11th hour prior to the Spring Town Meeting, that group asked to have the request withdrawn as state funding would be sought. That decision proved prudent. On June 27, the Select Board, during its regularly scheduled meeting, acknowledged the state grant, and it was confirmed that the town’s match will be $30,000.

            In his press release, Straus wrote, “… Mattapoisett will receive planning and design assistance for the final connection link in town for the bike path (Phase 2A) which will allow for the ultimate extension of the bike path from the center of town north from Route 6 and across North Street toward the Town of Marion. Known as a Mass Trails Grant from the state, this funding in the amount of $120,000 will be used for the design and right of way work for the path which closely follows the former railroad right of way through town.”

            In other business on this night, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said that he met with representatives for VHB, the town’s engineering consultant, regarding the village-streets project. He said that the group was gathering additional information and data relevant to sidewalks, tree removal, water lines and culverts for impacted areas.

            Lorenco said that he recently learned the town’s street(s) improvement project was placed on the 2026 TIP schedule, the state Department of Transportation’s transportation improvement program. Lorenco also said that the project is now estimated at $10,000,000 and may be separated into two projects.

            The next steps, according to Lorenco, were a planned site walk with VHB and representatives from various utilities in preparation for the needed 75-percent design planned for completion by January 2023.

            Other large infrastructural projects discussed included the July start date for improvements to Industrial Drive and work funded by a Complete Streets grant for Mattapoisett Neck Road.

            Regarding the former fire station, Lorenco said an environmental study has been completed and that he anticipated receiving a report in the next few days.

            Lorenco said that employment postings for the Highway Department are available to view on the town’s website, mattapoisett.net. Seasonal positions and at least one full-time position are available.

            Where’s the front door? Lorenco said that people are attempting to enter the new fire station via the Route 6 door intended to be used by staff only. He said that Route 6 door is adjacent to the overhead apparatus doors and thusly is not intended for use by the general public. He said signage will be needed so that the public knows which door to access.

            The Transfer Station’s new hours of operation are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:45 pm.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, July 12, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell