On January 14, immediately at the commencement of the Select Board meeting, member Jordan Collyer asked to make a public statement. Speaking from prepared notes, Collyer said he wanted to dispel rumors regarding whether or not he’d be running again in the upcoming spring elections. He confided to the public that he was a recovering alcoholic and that earlier statements he may have made regarding not seeking reelection was probably frustration fueled by alcohol. Now, after a year of sobriety and being supported by many townspeople, he said he wanted to continue serving the community. Collyer thanked family, friends, and others for their support. Collyer has been a Select Board member for 21 years.

            Returning to the agenda, the board met with the town’s engineering consultants VHB regarding the village roads reconstruction project. Coming to the conference table was VHB’s Greg Russell and arborist Paul Sellars. For an hour, the consultants provided details highlighting the condition of trees along the Main Street, Water Street, Beacon Street corridor. Each tree was given a thorough investigation and graded as to the expected lifespan and current condition. Many of the trees evidenced severe soil compaction from foot traffic and root fungus. Many of the trees in question have burst up and over existing curbs with possibly compromised root systems. Sellars also commented that the trees lack critical root zones.

            The consulting firm also studied whether or not placing utilities underground was a viable option. Given that gas, water, and electrical equipment needed sufficient spacing, the likelihood of placing those systems underground seemed dim.

            On the topic of rerouting some village streets to one-way use only was reviewed but did not impact the number of trees that will need to be removed. However, it would allow for a modest increase in the number of parking places along Water Street.

            Town administrator Mike Lorenco said that the road project will also include the replacement of fresh water systems. He said the plan is to use state and federal grant funding. All in at this point, Lorenco said the road project is now estimated at $17,000,000 before adding in any contribution the town may have to fund for upgrades to the public water system.

            The project remains at 25-percent design completion. A public meeting will be planned for the spring to continue hearing from the public and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the funding source.

            Collyer asked that the board meet for a working session to ensure all aspects of the project have been fully vetted to their satisfaction, “I want an entire meeting to discuss what was presented tonight.” All were in agreement. The project remains on the TIP schedule with a project construction start of 2028.

            Earlier in the evening, the board met with two candidates for the position of building department director. Coming before the board were William McGrady and Brandon Moroney. McGrady listed among his accomplishments being a certified building inspector and educator, knowledge of FEMA regulations, and a desire to assist the public. Moroney said he has always worked in the building trades and works part-time as an inspector in Lakeville and Raynham. As the meeting drew to a close, the board voted to offer the position to McGrady.

            Other action taken by the board on this night were the appointment of Nancy Duff to the Old Colony School Committee and the appointment of Mike Hickey to the Capital Planning Committee.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board to be announced.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

The Marion Conservation Commission Wednesday, January 8, whittled through an agenda of many routine projects within flood and wetland buffer zones. Commissioners mostly expressed concern about a project on Dexter Road seeking to reuse boulders and build an accessory garage.

            Commissioners also expressed concern about a project seeking to remove an old cottage and rebuild a shed because it is within a wetlands buffer zone with an unknown water pipe underneath. This latter matter is also before the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Conservation Commission will continue the hearing for the proposal at its January 28 meeting.

            The accessory garage, proposed by applicants Stephen and Jane McCarthy, will be two stories, including a loft, but will only be used for storage and not residential use, according to a project representative.

            Commissioners expressed concern about the reuse of large boulders within the property.

            “Why are we allowing them to have a rock wall in a (flood) velocity zone,” said Commissioner Shayne Walsh.

            Walsh suggested that the boulders should be hauled away but expressed understanding of the applicants’ desire to save money.

            “It’s exacerbating a condition. … I’m not trying to make things difficult for the property owners,” Walsh said. “While I appreciate them seeking permission to minimize their expense, it is what it is.”

            Walsh and commissioners agreed that boulders used for a border fence should be no greater than two feet in height and only three or four feet in any direction.

            Laura and Terrence Hartford pitched a proposal for an addition that would include an enclosed porch while also removing an old cottage and replacing it with a shed. The proposed shed is within 20 feet of wetlands.

            Applicant representative Robert Braman, of Braman associates, told commissioners that there is a state Department of Environmental Protection file on the case with no comments. He also said there is a neighboring shed nearby, which also borders wetlands.

            Commissioners asked Braman to follow-up with Commissioners after the applicant meets with the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals.

            They continued the hearing to 7:00 pm on January 28.

            Burr Brothers Boats Inc., on 366 Wareham Street, is looking to redevelop a boat storage facility.

            Commissioner Jeffrey Debrouva expressed concern about the amount of fill being brought to the property and asked for proper mitigation measures, as the area is within a coastal flood zone.

            All other matters were routine, including two applicants on West Drive looking to connect to the town’s sewer system.

            Another applicant sought to rebuild an in-ground pool but there are no plans to increase the size, drawing no concerns from Conservation Commissioners.

            Shane and Denise Whittaker, applicants at 6 Cole Road, plan to scrap an old cottage there and build a single-family home, which also drew no concerns from the Conservation Commission.

            The Conservation Commission is scheduled to meet again on January 28 at 7:00 pm.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Jeffrey D. Wagner