Ryan Correia has made a few appearances before the Mattapoisett Planning Board, but with each review of his proposed Crystal Springs Road subdivision, his project has moved a bit closer to reality.

            On June 7, Correia once again met with the Planning Board to finalize plans for penetrating an existing stone wall and the removal of a black tupelo tree along the scenic byway. There was considerable discussion over exactly where the driveway entrances would be located for the lots and whether it was necessary to cut down a town-owned tree.

            Planning Board member Janice Robbins noted that the tree in question was, in fact, on town property, despite Tree Warden Roland Cote’s agreement that it could be removed so long as a new tree is planted in kind somewhere else along the roadway. Planning Board Administrator Mike Gagne said that the applicant would cover the costs associated with the tree.

            Correia confirmed that, although penetrations would have to be made in the existing stone wall, all stones would be repurposed on the property at the driveway entrances. It was also disclosed that the Fire Department had not been contacted regarding the size and turning radius needed to enter lots where new homes are planned along Old Crystal Springs Road.

            Some confusion over the repeated numbering sequence of two lots was also discussed with Robbins suggesting that be corrected for the sake of future owners.

            The hearing was continued until June 21, at which time Correia is expected to return with input from the Fire Department and updated plans.

            Also continued was a Form C Definitive Subdivision Plan for Park Lane Extension represented by Douglas Schneider, who said he could return to the board in July with results of a meeting planned with the Select Board regarding private parties’ acceptance of roadway modifications on a public road, surety details for the roadway, and a homeowners’ covenant agreement. The hearing was continued to July 19.

            Withdrawal without prejudice for an application filed over a year ago for property located on Selha Way was approved. The subdivision modifications were sidelined due to title issues, the board was advised.

            Property owned by 9 North Street Reality Trust for a Form A ANR that would give 6 feet of the parcel to 7 North Street and 6 feet to 11 North Street was approved. Lands divided were identified as non-buildable.

            Also approved was an amended Form A filed by Delia and Steven Caton, 89 Brandt Island Road.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, June 21, at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

            No candidate was expected to offer a resume and presence comparable to outgoing Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon, but in his June 7 interview with the Rochester Board of Selectmen, Brian Vasa got the job because he impressed upon the selectmen that he comes in peace.

            Asked how he handles violations, the conservation agent for the Town of Plympton told the selectmen that he will first send a letter that says, “Hey, what you are doing is wrong…. People don’t like to be surprised.”

            Vasa was one of three candidates interviewed by the Conservation Commission from the pool of applicants, two of which were recommended for a second interview by the Board of Selectmen.

            The other finalist, Marilee Kelly, the conservation agent for the Town of Acushnet, demonstrated knowledge of the laws and procedures in her June 7 interview with the selectmen, answering the same question by starting with a personal site visit. “Find out if the person will let you on the property,” she said, referencing further sanctions in the event of a negative outcome such as enforcement orders, fines, and legal counsel.

            Both finalists said they were amenable to the parameters of the salary offered for the job.

            Another key question was related to solar farms, as the cranberry industry continues to diminish and land becomes available.

            “It’s been almost my whole experience in Plympton,” said Vasa, who has been working for the town almost two years. He alluded to what can become a lengthy process involving considerations such as wetlands, stormwater, and the “back and forth” between the commission and the applicant through the continuance of public hearings, peer review, and the like.

            Board of Selectmen Chairman Paul Ciaburri told Vasa, “Most people want to see as little change as possible. It’s going to change no matter what.” Selectman Woody Hartley said that Farinon has developed “a great rapport” and was an easy-going communicator whose tactic was to listen and absorb information. “It’s always best to think it out,” Hartley said.

            Invited to ask questions of the board, Vasa offered two: job flexibility to be in the town office or to work at home, and how much the position has changed or will change.

            Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar told Vasa, “You have the commitment of getting the job done,” expressing that the job itself will determine the answer to that question on any given day. “I don’t think anyone cares if you look at your computer (in the town hall or at home),” added Hartley.

            Vasa clarified his question to be if there is policy on the matter.

            Szyndlar explained that the new conservation agent will be signing a contract with the Board of Selectmen but working under the direction of the Conservation Commission. “The town is growing…. Show us your skills,” said Hartley.

            Vasa said his job in Plympton has been mostly administrative, but he looks forward to working more in the field. “You’re always learning,” he said. “It’s interesting, I enjoy it.”

            At the conclusion of both interviews, the selectmen voted to authorize Szyndlar and Town Counsel Blair Bailey to negotiate a contract with Vasa.

            Ciaburri met last week with the Plymouth County Advisory Council and reported on a new fund coming to member towns but said that “the record keeping and reporting will be 1,000 times worse than the CARES Act.”

            “It’s going to take a lot of heads working together,” said Szyndlar, who added she is trying to gather as much information as possible before presenting to town stakeholders. “Every time I turn around it’s something different.”

            Bailey indicated that on June 8 he would send out a demand letter to the company that posted advertisements on town telephone poles. The basis of legal action is trespassing on town property “because they’re putting them on the road layout.”

            David Arancio appeared for the first time as the town moderator and thanked those who put him into the position via write-in votes. Arancio succeeds Kirby Gilmore, who decided not to run for re-election. “Like Mr. (Richard) Cutler said many years ago when I joined the ZBA, what usually happens is you join one board, then you’re on another,” said Arancio.

            Selectman Brad Morse thanked Michael Conway for his many years of service to the Conservation Commission. Conway did not run for re-election to the Water Commission and has also vacated his seat with ConCom.

            Tony Ruocco was reappointed to the Finance Committee, and the selectmen voted to reappoint Ciaburri as the board’s delegate to Plymouth County.

            In her Town Administrator’s Report, Szyndlar discussed the full reopening of Town Hall amidst the lifting of restrictions at the state and town levels. She is encouraging the public to follow the guidelines recommending masks for those not vaccinated against COVID-19, to socially distance when possible, and to use the town’s convenient drop-off boxes.

            Marion will host a Tri-Town Selectmen’s meeting on July 13 at 7:00 pm.

            The date of the Special Town Meeting in the fall has been narrowed down to October 18, October 25, or November 1. The matter will be on the agenda for the next Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for Monday, June 21, at 6:00 pm.

Rochester Board of Selectmen

By Mick Colageo

            While the Town of Marion would much rather welcome another rate payer into a town sewer system that performs more efficiently than even the latest denitrification septic system, the Board of Health vetted a complicated septic upgrade during its May 26 meeting.

            In a public hearing for two variances at 689 Point Road, applicants George and Lynn Whitney were represented by engineer Dave Davignon of Schneider, Davignon, & Leone, Inc.

            Planning a “FAST” denitrification system, Davignon asked the board for a 2-foot groundwater separation so he could utilize the allowance given by the state Department of Environmental Protection and proposed to pressure-dose the leaching field and thereby eliminate what he called “an obscene mound in the front yard.”

            The other variance sought relief from Marion’s design flow requirements of 510 gallons on the basis that the pressure dose system will disperse the water throughout the entire 42-foot by 20-foot leaching field.

            Davignon displayed the plan, including the difference between new and old regulations, the latter of which he summarized as “bigger is better.” If denied the variances, Davignon also displayed how an alternate design would make the leaching field even smaller than what is presently allowed. He furthermore asserted that the board’s approval would bring about a better outcome for the environment.

            “The key for us is getting the 2-foot groundwater separation field. It’s the best system for everybody,” said Davignon, adding that the two alternatives would be smaller and create a pronounced lump in the yard. The applicant had developed a sewer-tie-in plan, but Davignon said associated costs to overcome obstacles and an engineering study were double and therefore not feasible.

            Before voting her approval with the condition of a busier testing schedule at the outset, BOH member Dot Brown scrutinized the plan.

            “Our goal now at the Board of Health is not to grant variances. We have rules, and if they don’t work, we should change them.” she said. “I need a new design, I need a design that uses that original IA system that you’re proposing, but also meets the flow requirement for the fourth bedroom that’s being added…. And, yes, it really is a new system because it’s got a fourth bedroom, and that requires more flow.

            “I get why you can have the 2 feet (of groundwater separation) because of that specific IA system, but … none of those individual designs do both of those things.”

            Davignon said he has the ability, should the applicant be granted the 2-foot, groundwater separation variance, to revise the plan to include a larger stone size and thereby increase the flow to meet requirements.

            Brown reasserted her opinion that a $30,000 investment in tying into town sewer is ultimately preferable to a septic system of the same basic price, but Davignon said town sewer lacks enough incentive considering the age of the current private line and the hard line taken by the town and the owner of the line as to the costs.

            “Nearly $14,000 just for permission to tie into a line is over the top,” said Davignon, who added that a study needs to be completed before the town can determine that permission to tie in is feasible. “We were going nowhere with the sewer connection.” Davignon said the applicant worked toward that end for several months and even submitted a plan.

            “When you match up costs, I have to say, Dot, the maintenance for this system on a yearly basis is a lot less than what the charges will be … for the use of (town) sewer…. There’s no win-win here until the town starts to bring down the costs to give people incentive to tie in.”

            Brown objected to Davignon’s argument on the basis that the applicant’s preferred costs are based on obtaining a variance around existing regulations. Davignon stated that the applicant’s request is based on long-existent DEP regulations.

            “The DEP isn’t worried about protecting saltwater the way we are either,” said Brown. “Those rules are not just the ones we’re looking at; we’re looking at Marion’s rules, and the argument that DEP lets it happen is not an important argument.”

            Brown said that the proposed system lacks a fail-safe. “I have a whole lot of questions,” she said, restating the desire to see the applicant’s “real plan” before voting on a variance.

            Health Agent Anna Wimmer suggested that the standard conditions allow a 50-percent reduction in flow with the 2-foot variance for depth to groundwater. The flow being requested, according to Wimmer, is still above the 50-percent reduction outlined in Title 5 by approximately 200 gallons per day. The technology, Wimmer said, is able to process more sewerage. Therefore, she suggested, it should not be necessary to go through the application process again.

            Davignon said the leaching field would be extended but that the design remains the same. Brown disagreed.

            Chair Ed Hoffer called the discussion “a little nitpicky,” called the system “well vetted,” and suggested that, in granting a variance, the BOH can make the proposal meet the 510-gallon flow requirement.

            The BOH ultimately voted unanimously to approve the variance to 2 feet of groundwater separation, an expanded leaching field to meet the 510 gallon-per-day flow requirement and conditioned the construction with testing on a quarterly basis for a year, then every six months, then annually as regularly prescribed.

            Brown asked that the Water & Sewer Commissioners be in the loop for such applications.

            In her Health Agent Report, Wimmer told the BOH that the new owner of property at 284 and 286 Converse Road would like to move in, and the cesspool on the property has been inspected by a registered sanitarian.

            The owner has a contract to construct a compliant septic system. The address is in the black zone sewer-wise, according to Wimmer, which means the sewer line that runs along Route 6 is on a higher elevation and the property’s tie-in would require a pump. Sewer was considered not to be feasible, and the application was approved with the condition of a weekly inspection.

            In her Public Health Nurse report, Lori Desmarais stated that, as of May 26, Marion had 423 total COVID-19 cases, including four in May, with one active. In the schools, Sippican had no one in quarantine or isolation. The elementary school has seen 39 total cases. Old Rochester Regional High School had two in quarantine but no one in isolation as of May 26, and 108 cases altogether. With 40 confirmed cases since the beginning of the pandemic, ORR Junior High had two people in quarantine as of May 26, and one in isolation.

            Tabor Academy had no one in quarantine or isolation and continues surveillance testing. Sippican Healthcare Center had gone 14 days without any positive tests. There were no positive cases, and 111 residents and/or staff have recovered while 130 remained negative.

            Routine sampling for the beaches will begin on June 14 and go through September 6. The two beaches opening prior to June 14 require testing within five days of opening.

            The BOH may consider reorganizing in the fall, pending the continued success of the state’s reopening. The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health was not scheduled upon adjournment.

Marion Board of Health

By Mick Colageo