The Marion Conservation Commission on July 28 had to reopen the public hearing for the Town of Marion Department of Public Works’ Notice of Intent to replace the pump station at Creek Road after the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program issued a letter with requirements to protect a nearby turtle habitat.

            The commission closed the public hearing and issued an Order of Conditions back on July 14, but it had not yet been issued. Soon after, the letter concerning the northern diamondback terrapin, a state threatened species, was received that offered suggested conditions to include in the OOC to protect the terrapin habitat.

            Those conditions call for a turtle protection plan for work conducted between May 15 and July 31 and an installation of temporary turtle barriers with a plan to maintain and monitor them throughout construction. In addition, within 30 days of completion, the Town must submit photos documenting compliance to the NHESP.

            ConCom Chair Shaun Walsh welcomed the additional conditions, saying that with all the efforts in Marion to protect the terrapin, particularly in The Cove by neighborhood volunteers and their turtle garden, “It’s important to support [and] protect this really neat turtle.”

            According to Walsh, well-known TV biologist Jeff Corwin, a Massachusetts native, was in Marion at an earlier time to film a show featuring the turtle garden at The Cove, which Walsh said is slated for release in the fall.

            If you spend enough time on the shore and in the marshes of Marion, Walsh said, “You are bound to run into [terrapins] … and you can see them hatching. It’s pretty neat; they’re really neat little turtles.”

            In a related project, the Town of Marion DPW’s Request for Determination of Applicability to repair the Creek Road water main and repave 600 feet of the existing sidewalk received Negative 2 and 3 Determinations after the project was revised to discharge dechlorinated water into a sewer utility hole and directed to the wastewater treatment plant instead of directly into the nearby stream. DPW engineer Meghan Davis presented the revision the commission requested back on July 14, a measure that was given the nod by Marion’s wastewater treatment plant and the DEP.

            Walsh said of the initial plan to discharge into the stream, “It may be standard practice, and it may not have been a problem, but I think this is a preferred alternative.”

            Also during the meeting, the commission issued an OOC to 2 West Drive, LLC, for a NOI to reconstruct a single-family house, install an in-ground pool, and perform associated site work at 2 West Drive. There were no comments from the Department of Environmental Protection or NHESP, except that the proposal would not adversely affect the nearby terrapin habitat.

            The 2.5-acre property is within the Velocity zone, and about 75-percent of the pool will be within the buffer zone. The plan includes a septic system, pump chamber and leeching field, but the neighborhood has been approved for a capacity study to possibly hook up to the town sewer. According to engineer David Davignon, the septic part of the project will occur toward the end of construction once the sewer feasibility is determined.

            “Any time you have waterfront homes with septic systems, even well-functioning ones, you’re adding a significant amount of nitrogen to the groundwater, which flows into the harbor,” said Walsh. “And anytime you can eliminate that source and send it to a wastewater treatment facility, that has to meet at least 10 milligrams per liter … you’re significantly reducing the amount of pollutants coming into the harbor.” If there were no more septic systems close to the water, Walsh continued, “You would probably see a much cleaner, more vibrant harbor area … so I’m glad to hear that the folks in that area are exploring that. I hope that really happens.”

            The commission issued an Order of Conditions to The Loft School for its NOI to build a children’s play area and install a chain-link fence in the buffer zone at 36 South Street. The project includes some limited removal of small trees and saplings to install a woodchip play area 134 square feet in size.

            Nicholas and Rosemary Grey, 6 Shawondasse Road, received an OOC for their NOI to improve the shoreline and reduce erosion with the creation of an artificial dune. The public hearing was continued from July 14 in order to revise the plan to include erosion control measures and add oak stakes to hold the jute fiber layer of the artificial dune in place instead of using stainless steel stakes.

            The commission approved the request for an extension permit for Stephen and Jane McCarthy, 43 Dexter Road, to demolish a small, dilapidated cottage and build a single-family elevated house adjacent to the Dexter Beach Neighborhood Association parking lot and beach area. The original OOC was issued in October 2018, but construction was never commenced due to COVID-19. The extension is good for another three years.

            The public hearing for Sippican Lands Trust for a RDA to reroute the walking trail at Osprey Marsh away from the abutting property was continued until August 11 at the applicant’s request.

            The public hearing for John and Cynthia Paliotta’s NOI to eradicate invasive plants, plant native vegetation, manage the woodlands, and create a “long-term sustainable vista corridor” to Sippican Harbor at 119 Point Converse Road was continued until August 25 at the request of the applicant.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission will be held on Wednesday, August 11, at 7:00 pm via Zoom.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Jean Perry

On July 19, the Board of Selectmen placed the Chief of Police, Mary Lyons, on administrative leave following her arrest on July 17 for an alleged OUI.

While the Board of Selectmen continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the Board would like to inform the residents of Mattapoisett that the Town has accepted and approved terms of early retirement with Chief Lyons. The Board believes this acceptance was in the best interests of the Town. The Board would like to thank Chief Lyons for her 36 years of service to the Town of Mattapoisett.

To promote the continuance of effective leadership and ensure the safety of all residents of Mattapoisett, the Police Department will continue under the interim command of Captain Jason King while the Board considers how best to fill this vacancy.

The Board affirms its continued support to the talented and dedicated men and women of our Police Department as they continue to provide the needed services of their department to the citizens at large.

Town of Mattapoisett Press Release

            Planning takes money, and affordability in the completion of necessary building construction and upgrades around town requires an astute, diligent, and energetic approach toward the pursuit of financial assistance. With that in mind, Town Planner Gil Hilario bid adieu to the Planning Board during its August 2 Zoom meeting.

            “Since I’ve been hired, it’s very evident that my job is to procure grants,” said Hilario, estimating approximately $500,000 in procured grant funding for Town of Marion projects while also assisting other departments’ likeminded pursuits.

           Hilario will become town planner in North Attleboro, close by his Rhode Island home. His last day working for Marion is Friday, August 6.

            “It’s been a pleasure and a joy working with everyone. I think we’ve had a lot of initiatives,” he said. “Every town is different, and in Marion I think the pumping station is very important, Route 6 is very important, Complete Streets and all of those things, energy projects… Our focus is centered on a lot of those top priorities for the town and trying to make progress and achievement towards those focuses for the town. It’s been an absolute joy and I’ve learned so much from Norm and Eileen and Will and everyone from the Planning Board. I just want to thank everyone in Marion.”

            As part of his Town Planner Update, Hilario summarized the town’s Green Communities 2020 projects that are in the second round, which is a competitive round.

            Last week’s final site visit with Green Communities representative Lisa Sullivan closed out a set of projects and begins a new season of grant applications from August through October. Discussing close work with Facilities Manager Shawn Cormier, Marion completed several projects including 23 window inserts at the Taber Library, new gas furnaces at two water pumping stations, installation of an electric heat pump and insulation at the Cushing Community Center, and insulation in the basement and attic of the Music Hall.

            Commending the Energy Management Committee for its hard work, Hilario said the goal is to convert the entire community center to heat pumps and make Cushing an all-electric building, perhaps with solar panels on the roof.

            In two years as a Green Community, Marion has established an annual savings of $27,502; the investment will pay itself back in 25.7 years from the 2018 inception date.

            Amidst multiple voices expressing appreciation for his work, Planning Board member Norm Hills pointed out all the work Hilario has done ushering Marion into a Zoom meeting era that has a second wind with the unfortunate uptick in COVID cases.

            “You’ve been terrific, Gil, you’ve really moved the town along and you were very helpful in helping the town reduce the energy costs in the town as well,” said member Eileen Marum. “We appreciate how you’ve done your job.”

            Citizen attendee Barry Gaffey said Hilario did a good job and wished him luck.

            SRPEDD’s Route 6 corridor study will now be reinvented by the Massachusetts DOT. After the state’s feasibility study is completed, Marion can then move forward with some potential treatment options. In signing off, Hilario also gave a status report on Marion’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.

            After hearing from applicant Dena Xifaras and peer-review consultant Beals & Thomas, Inc. and then closing a continued public hearing, the Planning Board voted 5-1 to award a special permit to Papa’s Real Estate, LLC’s propane storage business on Luce Avenue. Alanna Nelson’s was the lone dissenting vote.

            At the applicant’s request, the continued public hearing for a special permit applied for by Sherman Briggs and Hamblin Homes, Inc. for the construction of 28 town houses at Spring and Mill Streets was once again continued to Monday, August 16, at 7:05 pm via Zoom.

            Under old business, Marum called the building across Route 6 from Cumberland Farms “an eyesore.” Member Jon Henry said discussion has been had about potentially purchasing the old piece of Route 6 and tying that into taking control of the situation.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, August 16, at 7:00 pm.

Marion Planning Board

By Mick Colageo

            The Mattapoisett Select Board met on August 3 primarily to go into executive session for the purpose of conducting “strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with non-union personnel” pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30A section 21 (a)(2) as noted on the meeting’s posted agenda.

            The meeting also gave the members the opportunity to discuss two pressing matters.

            First up was a trifecta of problems brought to the board’s attention by residents. They alerted the Select Board that Ned’s Point Road is becoming impassable due to contractors and landscapers parking large vehicles on both the north and south sides of the roadway. Added to that are the number of people and cyclists using the road. And, last but not least, the presences of landscape stakes being placed along grassed areas where the grass tapers into the paved roadway. This last issue was presented as an effort on the part of some property owners to stop vehicles from parking there. Board member Jordan Collyer said, “… And it’s town property.”

            All board members, including returning Select Board member Tyler Macallister, had recently driven down the beleaguered roadway to see for themselves. All agreed there are problems.

            After discussion of the types of issues being brought to their attention, Collyer commented that they had to do something or “be as culpable as the people” creating the problems.

            It was determined that the Police Department safety officer, along with members of the Building and Highway Department, would be dispatched to study the matter. Collyer thought perhaps “no parking” signs along one side of the road is in order. Macallister suggested no parking at least during the busier months of May through October.

            Board member Jodi Bauer questioned how the “no parking” signs would be enforced. Collyer said police patrols would need to enforce the rule. It was also determined that the public would be informed of the new no parking policy and signs using various media outlets.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said he was concerned about pedestrians walking along areas where stakes have been placed, saying some of the stakes could present a fall hazard. Collyer said the Highway Department should remove them wherever they are found to be on town property.

            The matter of pedestrians and cyclists not following the rules of the road was also discussed. Collyer suggested the town produce a safety video to help educate the public.

            In conclusion, the board decided that the Building Department would handle removal of any stakes from town property, the police would study parking, and that a public safety video for cyclists would be produced.

            Lorenco also updated the board on the open conservation agent position. He said that interest in the part-time job is “limited,” with one application currently being reviewed for qualifications. He said he had also posted a contracted consulting agent position, but all agreed that is a stopgap measure that would quickly become cost prohibitive.

            Macallister said that the agent’s position had been a point of discussion when he was on the Conservation Commission. Those discussions included whether or not the position should cover more than one department. He said that large-scale projects requiring vast amounts of an agent’s time should be paid for by the applicant. He said that, previously, the standard had been that if a property required more than 20 wetland flags, a consultant would be hired.

            In other matters, Lorenco apologized to residents whose public water supply had been tainted recently when water lines were relocated as part of construction taking place on Acushnet Road. “We’ll do a much better job in the future alerting people,” he said. Email, text, and other forms of communication will be used in the future to prepare residents for potential water-related problems.

            Regarding the latest updates from the Centers of Disease Control for the use of masks, Lorenco said anyone with compromised health or of a certain age and all those unvaccinated should wear masks indoors in public settings. For full details, visit Mattapoisett.net.

            It was also noted that a dog-walkathon is planned for Saturday, August 28, from 8:00 am to noon stepping off at Center School. The donation requested is $20, and all proceeds go towards a proposed dog park.

            The 2021 Mattapoisett Road Race will take place on Saturday, August 21, at 9:00 am. Road Race Committee member Dan White said registration will take place under the tent behind Center School, and the starting line will be at the corner of Church and Barstow Streets.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, August 10, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

            The Marion Select Board made sure its appreciation for Terri Santos was known after the town-employed administrative assistant volunteered to fill one of three vacancies on the Affordable Housing Trust.

            Also appointed to three-year terms during Tuesday’s Select Board Zoom meeting were Nancy McFadden and Tangi Pina, and the new memberships come at a time when the Affordable Housing Trust is about to deal on a much more concrete level with multiple developments in the works in Marion.

            “I wouldn’t be surprised if she ends up being chair,” said Town Administrator Jay McGrail of Santos while also pointing out that, like most boards/committees in town, the AHT will no longer benefit from the town’s clerical support and will to have to manage itself.

            The present chair is Casey Cole-Vieira. Other members are Select Board representative Norm Hills, Cynthia Thomas, and Minhtram Tran. The three openings were created over the past year by the resignation of Greg Polzer and a lack of attendance from Bill do Carmo, while Ethan Gerber asked not to be reappointed.

            Hills attends most meetings and, in noting recent Community Preservation Committee funding for the AHT’s Housing Production Plan conducted with assistance from the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District [SRPEDD], said a new understanding is needed because “a new 40B project should put us over the 10 percent.”

            Select Board member John Waterman asked about the ramifications for Marion’s need for moderately priced housing, and Hills said the AHT is looking at that.

            It is anticipated that the AHT, with these appointments and as Marion anticipates major changes with new residential developments on the way, will need clearer direction from the Select Board on how to focus its efforts.

            Waterman even questioned whether the Affordable Housing Trust title will still fit the committee’s mission. Hills acknowledged that, with Marion moving past the 10-percent affordable housing threshold, the concept of the AHT’s involvement opens up.

            The Select Board voted to approve the three appointments and thanked Santos for stepping up at a crucial time.

            Marion’s wastewater lagoon project is catching a second wind that McGrail hopes will end in the next two weeks with the completion of the sludge removal project.

            The key piece involves technique, as DPW Director Nathaniel Munafo has prescribed a new course of action being carried out, literally, by the contractor. It was determined after the material on the bottom surface had dried up that the centrifuge and pump is no longer feasible. Instead, a tonnage program, a 65-foot reach excavator will load up to 11 trailers daily with sludge, clay, and subgrade material that will be taken to a waste management disposal location in Maine.

            According to McGrail, the state Department of Environmental Protection approved the change of plan in concert with CDM and Weston & Sampson, the two engineering firms. He said the new plan saves Marion “a bunch of money.”

            In addition to the two engineering firms and Munafo’s oversight, the town is paying an onsite project manager.

            The selectmen approved Chief of Police Richard Nighelli’s proposal of Ashley Robins for appointment to a one-year probationary period as a full-time officer effective August 8. Robins is a graduate from the state Police Academy in Plymouth and has worked for the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department in Dedham and at UMass Dartmouth.

            Eight-year resident and combat veteran David Brissette has volunteered to be the first member of a newly revived 2021-22 Fireworks Committee. Marion has not had such a committee in the two years that McGrail has been town administrator. As interim chair of the committee, Brissette will work with Donna Hemphill on recruitment and organization.

            Michael and Judy Medeiros’ impromptu appearance at the July 20 Select Board meeting paid off when the board designated Old Landing part of Section 2, which is allowed overnight parking of unoccupied vehicles on certain streets. This would allow the Medeiroses to park at Old Landing and continue their tradition of overnight boating trips.

            In his Town Administrator’s Report, McGrail updated the October 19 Special Town Meeting with the following schedule: The deadline for articles and citizen petitions is August 31, and the warrant closes on September 21.

            There is one financial article addressing Town House electrical upgrades, the Old Rochester Regional School District agreement, and five bylaw changes that the Select Board will review with Hills. The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the bylaw changes.

            The board approved water/sewer commitments at $2,403.22 and $438.12. Citing a leaking toilet, the selectmen denied an abatement request at 922 Point Road.

            At Marthe Soden’s recommendation, Kristen Guevara was approved to fill the vacancy on the Marion Scholarship Committee.

            The Select Board also voted to approve a donation of a dogwood tree to the Music Hall.

            Tuesday, November 30, is the deadline for the submission of all paperwork and fees for applications for 2022 liquor licenses and other licenses.

            The Friends of the Council on Aging will hold its benefit on August 19; the fundraiser will raise money for the Cushing Community Center’s covered pavilion. Tickets are $40 and will be available at Kate’s Simple Eats, at Mimi’s, and at the COA.

            McGrail thanked the Marion Garden Group and the Highway Division staff of the DPW for their beautification work this year.

            Finally, McGrail and the Select Board acknowledged the service of Town Planner Gil Hilario, whose final day on the job is Friday, August 6. “Especially during COVID, Gil’s really shined,” said McGrail.

            Hilario will become town planner in his hometown of North Attleboro.

            “It’s closer to home, too convenient, pretty much where I grew up,” said Hilario, who thanked everyone for all the lessons he has learned in Marion. “We did our best, met key goals; the town is in good hands with Jay.”

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, August 24, at 6:00 pm via Zoom.

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo