The atmosphere on Monday night at Rochester Memorial School was festive, in stark contrast to 2020, as Finance Committee Chairman Kris Stoltenberg addressed attendees of the May 24 Annual Town Meeting and remarked on a “growing sense of normalcy and optimism.”

            In prefacing the 17 articles on the warrant that would all carry with only a few drawing isolated voices of dissent, Stoltenberg told attendees that all the Fiscal Year 2022 budgets are within the scope of a level-funded budget philosophy with any increases explained, scrutinized, and ultimately recommended.

            A pie chart accompanied the literature on the table inside the meeting hall, indicating a consistent approach, and Stoltenberg explained that to pay for Article 4, the $22,887,488 FY22 operating budget (up from $22,522,236 for FY21), 59 percent would come from $13,394,343 in tax levies, 22 percent or $4,955,000 in local receipts (includes SEMASS PILOT payments and approximately $800,000 in excise tax), and from various other sources.

            The Rochester Memorial School budget, he said, increases by 2.5 percent, ORR by 2 percent, and Bristol Aggie by 7 percent, the latter because its transportation costs are no longer part of the RMS budget. The Plymouth County Retirement Fund is up 11 percent.

            Stoltenberg further noted that this is Rochester’s second year benefitting from the services of a volunteer Capital Planning Committee, and praised its efforts in “forward-thinking, balanced recommendations with available funds.”

            In 2019, Rochester passed the Green Community Act with 240 other towns in the state and in FY21 received $136,000 in associated grant funding for energy conservation measures.

            Rochester continues its participation in the federal CARES Act, $550,000 of which has assisted schools and $250,000 to the town in non-budgeted pandemic-related reimbursements as administered by Plymouth County.

            “The town is in a strong position and can now work past the pandemic and work in a fiscally responsible way,” said Stoltenberg, thanking the Finance Committee and Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar for their work on the FY22 budget.

            Two articles in particular resulted in comments from the floor.

            Planning Board Chairman Arnie Johnson told attendees that on May 11 the board recommended unanimously to adopt Article 10.

            Town Counsel Blair Bailey explained from the stage that Article 10, the Flood Plain District Amendment, is a federally funded insurance program and that, in order to be eligible to collect, the town must have a zoning bylaw that complies with federal and state regulations. Only a few areas of town fall into a flood plain district, he said, and further stated that the amendment does not represent any substantive changes but is meant to clarify the bylaw and meet federal and state requirements.

            David Arancio, Finance Committee member who also chairs the Capital Planning Committee, explained that Article 11 recommending $201,190 in funding from the Capital Improvement Fund means there is no borrowing, and he thanked associated participants and stakeholders for their work in arriving at the expenditure that will cover replacement of two Highway Department dump trucks, an aging alarm system and outdated technology at Rochester Memorial School, a new floor for the Highway Barn, irrigation for a playing field, and the purchase of air handlers, compressors, and related electrical.

            Meeting attendance easily exceeded the 30 required to establish a quorum, a minimum that will no longer be in effect in two weeks when the state of emergency expires.

            Before the first article was read by Moderator Kirby Gilmore, Selectman Woody Hartley recognized new faces in town administration, new Council on Aging Director Eric Poulin, new Veterans Services Director Christopher Gerrior, and from the public education sector Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical Superintendent Director Aaron Polansky and the Old Rochester Regional Central Office team represented by Superintendent Mike Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Jannell Pearson-Campbell, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber, and Director of Student Services Craig Davidson.

            Hartley also made a special recognition of Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon, who drew a round of applause. Farinon is leaving the town’s employ this summer after a 35-year career.

            The final article approved the Town Election to be held on Wednesday, March 26, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Senior Center at 67 Dexter Lane. One amendment on Article 17 was required to correct the Planning Board race from one open seat to two.

Rochester Town Meeting

By Mick Colageo

            John and Cynthia Paliotta filed a Notice of Intent with the Marion Conservation Commission for a land management plan at 119 Converse Road.

            While the Paliottas propose eradication of invasive plants and restoration and enhancement of existing native plant communities, a welcome kind of project in almost any context, this case become complicated after the applicants filed their petition as an Ecological Restoration Project.

            The project also seeks to create a sustainable, long-term vista corridor to Sippican Harbor from the existing residence and to create a vertically diverse native woodland plant community.

            Conservation Commission Chair Shaun Walsh told the representatives that an ERP gets an order of conditions (general permit), but this NOI does not fall into that categorization.

            “In order to be a limited project, you have to be an ERP,” said Walsh, giving examples such as taking down a dam, daylighting a stream, reversing things that civilization has done that altered a previously natural landscape. “I don’t see that here. This is a site that absolutely has some non-native species than I think can and should be eradicated and managed…. Even though, in my opinion, this does not meet the criteria for an ERP limited project, it does not mean that some of this work may not be permittable.”

            Walsh said residents with phragmites are encouraged to file with the commission for an eradication program.

            Mark Manganello, assistant director of Ecological Services at LEC Environmental, told ConCom that the ERP criteria consists of a very long checklist, some of which he believes qualify as key items in the project. He also asserted that the area exceeds a threshold that requires the activity to be pursued as an ERP.

            Walsh suggests reducing the scope of the project and filing it as a regular project.

            “We see some benefits to this plan,” said Walsh, who was supported by multiple members of the commission who reviewed the case themselves before coming to the meeting.

            Noting that Marion stands along in the region as the only town lacking a conservation agent, Walsh said Chapter 4 Section 53G allows the Conservation Commission to hire an environmental consultant to assist in its review of complicated projects, the cost to be funded by the applicant.

            After substantial discussion pertaining to the applicants’ rights including coming back with a strengthened argument for the NOI as submitted, Walsh and the board discussed options. He said the NOI could be amended to a Form 3 NOI rather than refiled altogether and not necessarily lose a step. Nor does it need to be filed as multiple NOIs.

            In keeping with Marion’s rules on remote access public hearings, the case was continued to Wednesday, May 26, at 7:00 pm.

            ConCom issued an Order of Conditions to applicants William and Elizabeth Weber for the float improvement plans at 21 East Avenue. The commission approved representative Dave Davignon’s May 5 revision and conditioned the project, including alteration of six piles under the ocean with the stipulation that the float legs be removed upon installation of the piles, along with the usage of non-petroleum-based oils.

            The commission also issued a negative determination of applicability to Kyle Prien for construction of his shed at 19 Giffords Corner Road.

            The Marion Department of Public Works filed a Request for Determination of Applicability for road improvements, including the full length of School Street and Parlowtown Road, portions of Water Street (Allen to South Street), Holmes Street (Pleasant to Water Street), and a small portion of pavement at 361 Front Street.

            In keeping with Marion’s rules on remote access public hearings, the case was continued to Wednesday, May 26, at 7:00 pm and will be heard before the continuance of the more complicated Paliotta case.

            The Kittansett Club withdrew its Notice of Intent without prejudice rather than request further continuances to the case for expansion of its parking area. The case was continued from February 10.

            “We expect there will be a new Notice of Intent file at some point,” said Walsh, referencing communication with the engineer representing Kittansett indicating further consideration is being given to the golf club’s plan.

            Continued from April 28, Sippican Lands Trust requested a continuance of its RDA to Wednesday, May 26, at 7:00 pm while working on a requested survey of the property line that could affect relocation of a portion of the Osprey Marsh boardwalk off Point Road.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, May 26, at 7:00 pm.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Mick Colageo

            Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar told the Rochester Board of Selectmen during its May 17 meeting that the town has been approved for a Master Plan study. The full application is due on June 4.

            While it is considered logistically impossible to complete a Master Plan for the town in time to meet the seven-month window that ends with the June 30 grant deadline, a feasibility study is the short-term goal and an overall plan to be addressed in phases.

            “If we chose to do it all at once, we would have to look at other funding sources,” said Szyndlar, reporting a cost of approximately $90,000.

            After discussing the Master Plan with Eric Arbeene of the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), Szyndlar described it as a 10 to 15-year outlook that would be established with SRPEDD acting much like an administrative assistant, conducting outreach including meetings with the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen. SRPEDD would create a website so townspeople can view Master Plan surveys, price proposals, and attend workshops.

            “Planning has to have some input,” said Selectman Woody Hartley, who is in favor of the town pursuing its Master Plan on a chapter-by-chapter basis. “Mattapoisett is going through the process right now…. They’re having some really good discussions.”

            Selectman Brad Morse noted that 15 years ago before social media’s emergence, such meetings were conducted at the church.

            “A lot has changed,” said Hartley. “Planning Board has to direct this because it’s their call.”

            Hartley said he would like to see a group meeting including outgoing Town Planner Steve Starrett, outgoing Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon, and the Planning Board.

            Szyndlar said the feasibility study is more important, and Hartley agreed it would be the right place to focus. Citing key personnel transition, Szyndlar said, “Sometimes a pause is the most prudent thing…. There’s going to be a learning curve.”

            In her Town Administrators Report, Szyndlar told the selectmen she received an email from Old Rochester Regional Superintendent Mike Nelson notifying the town that ORR will be going into negotiations with Rochester Memorial School support staff and asking if a Rochester selectman would like to be part of ORR’s negotiation team.

            Morse will fill the role. “It does fall right along with a lot of the things that we’re discussing,” he said.

            Last year’s was a one-year contract, so the sides are back at the table.

            The selectmen voted to approved two appointments, that of Eric Poulin as the new Council on Aging director and Christopher Gerrior as the new Veterans Services director taking the place of the retiring Barry Denham.

            Morse recommended that, given the history of overlap between the Senior Center and veterans services, the two new appointees should get together. “We’ve had a history of having veteran involvement in the Senior Center,” said Hartley, noting his agreement.

            The selectmen also voted to accept Christina White’s letter of resignation from the Agricultural Commission. Morse motioned that the selectmen send her a letter of thanks.

            There are three openings now on the Agricultural Commission. Hartley said the membership has never exceeded five. “[We’re] back down to four, so we’re back on the edge,” said Hartley, offering a public plea. “So, please, if you’re a farmer in town … think about joining the Agricultural Commission. They’re very active in town…. They’re very interested in doing things. Send a letter to Suzanne. We would love to have a full commission.”

            Under correspondence, the selectmen voted to officially reject on behalf of the town’s Board of Assessors the Provision of General Law Chapter 59 Section 2D. “This is basically housekeeping,” said Szyndlar, explaining it as a vote to reject a supplemental tax assessment. “Supplemental billing is not necessary.”

            A mobile COVID-19 vaccine unit will be distributing the Pfizer vaccine on Wednesday, May 26, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Senior Center. May 26 is also the day of the Town Election, which also takes place at the COA, but Szyndlar told the selectmen the mobile vaccine unit will do its distribution outside and will not interfere with election traffic.

            The vaccine will be available to anyone age 12 and older with no appointment necessary. The prescribed second dose would be distributed three weeks later.

            A separate COVID-19 first-dose vaccine distribution will be held on Saturday, June 5, at Plumb Corner, also outside. It will also be available to ages 12 and older with no appointment necessary.

            “We’re hoping for at least 50 people,” said Board of Selectmen Chairman Paul Ciaburri.

            Town Counsel Blair Bailey notified the selectmen of a complication in the governor’s press release anticipating an end to the state of emergency effective June 15. Bailey is seeking clarification as the end of a state of emergency would end all exemptions from state Open Meeting Law. That would render public meetings held via Zoom unlawful.

            Rochester’s Planning Board will has already announced it will henceforth meet at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School. Bailey said the matter is left up to each individual board, depending on how the state legislature writes the law.

            Rochester’s Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 24, at 7:00 pm at Rochester Memorial School, and the Board of Selectmen’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at 6:00 pm.

Rochester Board of Selectmen

By Mick Colageo