Ben Bailey’s Longbow Lane project took a giant step forward during Tuesday night’s meeting of the Rochester Planning Board at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School library. All but two waivers requested for his proposed private driveway/road at his Gerrish Road residence were approved before the public hearing was continued to June 22.

            His case continued from May 25, the Planning Board member once again recused himself for the Form C Definitive Subdivision Plan at 34 Gerrish Road. The 720-foot way designed by Wareham-based G.A.F. Engineering, Inc. has a hammerhead proposed at the end of the roadway for Fire Department access.

            Because it exceeds 500 feet, it is being classified as a one-lot residential subdivision, but it is not known if the lot there is buildable, nor does that matter fall into the purview of the Planning Board. The tone of the June 8 meeting was more civil than the May 25 meeting, as the discussion stayed on the subject at hand and the Planning Board’s latitude in the case.

            In fielding abutter Colman Lalli’s questions, Planning Board Chairman Arnie Johnson gave examples of driveways longer than that applied for by Ben Bailey, but Johnson’s main point in a patient explanation of how the Planning Board works focused on making abutters understand that the regulations are necessarily established to accommodate the largest projects because they cannot be altered to accommodate those projects.

            “Because we have to craft (regulations) for the big stuff, we have to have the ability to grant a waiver so that little guys can do stuff. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have (home businesses),” said Johnson, listing examples in Rochester. “In essence, when someone comes in and wants to do a backlot subdivision or a single-lot subdivision, they have to show they can build.

            “This is not a popularity contest. We have to issue guidance and decisions, approving or denying a project based on the zoning bylaws, the regulations, and Massachusetts General Law. If not, we have to get defended, and it costs money to get defended.”

            Similarly, Town Counsel Blair Bailey (no relation to Ben Bailey) explained that subdivision regulations are necessarily written for any subdivision including extensive subdivisions. “If I don’t tell anyone else in town, you can only have a 500-foot driveway, I can’t do it to any one (applicant).

            “We have to write these regulations assuming somebody’s coming in (and applying for) 50, 100 lots, (such as) Connet Woods…. In 20 years working with this town, I’ve never seen a subdivision (applicant) that didn’t ask for some waiver of our regulations.” Blair Bailey clarified that, prior to working for the Town of Rochester, he worked for a firm that represented the town.

            Lalli asked, “Is this to the benefit of the town?” Blair Bailey answered, “Yes, for the safety for the potential other houses that could be on that road…. In this instance, the reason for the restriction … the town has to have reasons for restriction, and we have to be consistent on how they are enforced.”

            Lalli asked if the town has ever granted an exemption for a dead-end road in Rochester longer than 500 feet. Blair Bailey said he doesn’t believe so, but asked Lalli what the difference is between a 700 foot driveway and a road. Johnson said the town will research the question and have an answer for Lalli at its next meeting.

            Other abutters articulated concerns about drainage, septic, and runoff, one suggesting the Planning Board hire an independent consultant as to how the wetlands will respond to the project. Citing G.A.F. Engineering’s long track record with the town, Johnson said, “I understand that (Bill Madden) represents (the applicant), but this board doesn’t feel that, for our purposes, that it requires peer review.”

            Madden, on hand to present an overview of the project on the applicant’s behalf, said he did not see the fallen trees and asserted that the runoff from the project would not affect the area described. Madden said that even in the event of a 100-year storm, the overflow from the hammerhead end to the roadway will drain into the lot and be retained by it. Madden said the roadway is variably lower than the abutting land, and the design will conform to the 3:1 slope requirement.

            Blair Bailey confirmed for another abutter that it is “highly unlikely that anything’s going to get built there if a house isn’t going to get built.”

            Waivers granted include a stormwater management report, traffic impact analysis, formation of a homeowners’ association, 500-foot limit in length (720 feet), the 18-foot wide road surface, construction regulations for the road itself and those related to associated landscaping, the stormwater management system, and storm drainage. There is one existing drainage basin and one proposed in the hammerhead.

            The Planning Board voted to wait on two waivers, including the surface requirement, and is waiting on answers from the town’s highway surveyor.

            In a public hearing continued from May 25, Cushman Road Solar, LLC filed a special permit application for a 3.9-megawatt (large-scale), ground-mounted solar array installation and a special permit application for groundwater protection within a Residential/Agricultural District at 0 Cushman Road.

            The Cushman Road property, which lies within the Mattapoisett River Valley Watershed and partially within the Groundwater Protection District and the Floodplain Overlay District, is owned by Lisa Holden, trustee, of Rochester.

            Representing the applicant, Eric Las of Beals & Thomas, Inc., discussed plan revisions and made four waiver requests relating to traffic data, emergency access, no traffic study, and landscaping. The waivers were granted by votes establishing bonds. Greg Sampson, attorney for the applicant, said he would be happy to work with Town Counsel Blair Bailey on the language in the written decision.

            The case was continued to July 13.

            In a similar case that was also continued from May 25, the board voted to approve several requested waivers to Snipatuit Road Solar, LLC in its special permit application for a 4.8-megawatt ground-mounted solar array installation and a special permit application for groundwater protection within a Residential/Agricultural District at 0 Snipatuit Road.

            The Snipatuit Road property, also within the Mattapoisett River Valley Watershed and partially within the Groundwater Protection District and the Floodplain Overlay District, is owned by Lisa Holden, trustee, of Rochester Realty Trust and Aquidneck Nominee Trust, ET AL, and Kevin and Cassandra Cassidy.

            Town Planner Steven Starrett asked for a timeframe from representative Eric Las, citing five projects originally brought before the board, then four, now three. Joe Harrison, also representing the applicant, told the board that the applicants were waiting on Eversource.

            The case was continued to June 22.

            In last month’s Town Election, Lee Carr retained his seat and Marc Rousseau Jr. won a vacant seat, but the latter’s career as a Merchant Marine is problematic to his appointment to the board.

            The next highest vote getter, Dennis McCarthy, is not next up, according to Blair Bailey, who told the board the vacant position must be filled by the Board of Selectmen until a special election is scheduled. The selectmen, he said, have the latitude to appoint to the position in concert with the Planning Board for the remainder of the vacated term.

            In other business, the board voted to approve Robert Long’s Approval Not Required (ANR) application to redefine property boundaries located at 0 Neck Road. The board also approved vouchers to pay Field Engineering $635 for work on the Village Farms project and $285.99 for its work on Plumb Corner.

            Starrett, soon to vacate his position, reported that with the Town Hall Annex open, the board has the option of returning to the Annex to hold its meetings, currently held at Old Colony. The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board is scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, at 7:00 pm.

Rochester Planning Board

By Mick Colageo

            With a number of the energy conservation projects originally identified by Marion’s Energy Management Committee now completed, the members considered whether or not it was time to expand their role in the community and rebrand their committee. The idea of adding “climate” to the name of the committee inspired the discussion during the June 7 meeting.

            The committee weighed whether or not they should drop the word “management,” as member Dr. Jennifer Francis noted, “We don’t manage the town’s energy.” They wondered aloud if adding the word climate makes sense. EMC member Alanna Nelson said that part of their oversight should be educating the public on matters of climate change and resiliency: “We want to encourage people to go electric.”

            Francis said that as part of the Green Communities initiative adding climate-related matters to their focus is “a natural extension of what we already do.” EMC Chairperson Christian Ingerslev said a letter had been sent to the Select Board asking for guidance regarding the role of the committee, but no response had been received as of June 7.

            Projects related to energy efficiency have been the focus thus far for the EMC. Such projects as identifying outdated heating and cooling systems in municipal buildings, programs for obtaining electric vehicles for town departments, and an overall push towards reduction in emissions as mandated by the state Green Communities Division. Ingerslev said that the town has committed to a 50-percent reduction in emissions by 2030 from the 1990 baseline that was established.

            On the topics of municipal vehicles, Francis said those units slated for replacement should be identified so that an evaluation can be made to determine if energy-efficient alternatives are available.

            Matters related to energy efficiencies in town buildings seemed to be lagging, it was noted, with no clear solution for the town-owned Music Hall. Other structures needing more study are the Town House and a sanitation building.

            The concept of net-zero buildings that achieve an overall balance between emissions produced and emissions taken out of the atmosphere was discussed. EMC member Bill Saltonstall said he would like to see solar energy used on the proposed Marine Center as well as the Cushing Community Center, although he conceded that the COA facility roof is currently shaded by trees.

            Saltonstall also urged that an energy audit be performed on the town’s sewer plant. While heat pumps were considered by the group as efficient equipment, the feasibility of utilizing them in older buildings might become cost prohibitive due to the need to upgrade old wiring systems, it was noted. Town Planner Gil Hilario said he has been seeking grant opportunities to study net-zero opportunities for Marion facilities.

            The committee members also discussed the ramifications of the town adopting the state’s “Stretch Code,” an appendix to the state building code that is designed to result in cost savings and environmental benefits through improved building energy efficiencies.

            On a bright note, Saltonstall said that one of the projects spearheaded by the EMC is the town’s inclusion in a wind energy program. Francis said that Saltonstall has been a prime mover in negotiating the agreement that has been returning $400,000 annually back to the town in the four years since it was inked. Future Generation Wind, located on the boundary between Bourne and Plymouth, produces energy that is then distributed through conventional channels to partnering communities. Hilario said Marion is reimbursed 20 percent per month for electric energy consumption of its municipal buildings.

            The next meeting of the Marion Energy Management Committee is scheduled for July 26 at 5:00 pm.

Marion Energy Management Committee

By Marilou Newell

            Mattapoisett’s Master Plan Committee met on June 2 to discuss all things recreation with Mike Huguenin, president of the Mattapoisett Land Trust, Greta Fox, director of the Mattapoisett Recreation Department, and Jackie Coucci, director of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging. But it didn’t take long for the discussion to once again turn to the possibility of school consolidation when Fox had her turn on the unmuted mic.

            “We only have the school buildings and grounds to use,” Fox began as she explained the limitations her department faces in providing programming to community members of all ages. “Everything is under the schools and it presents a real problem, especially for toddler programs.”

            While the summer camp program is alive and doing well with a long waiting list for the coming season, the lack of a real Recreation Department space is a major hinderance, she explained. Yet Fox believes school consolidation may prove a saving grace for recreation programming.

            “I firmly believe we need to go down to one school,” Fox stated. She thinks that outdoor facilities at Old Hammondtown Elementary School can be enhanced and that if one school is selected for municipal departments while the other consolidates students, her department would benefit from spaces formerly used for education.

            The group focused some time on the issue of school consolidation versus recreational opportunities. COA Board of Directors member Shirley Haley said that Center School actually has more square footage than OHS. She also said that Center School was designed for the very youngest of students.

            Former Mattapoisett School Committee member and retired educator Carole Clifford said that in earlier Master Plan meetings, discussions had floated the concept of a municipal campus with the Police and Fire Departments and a new Town Hall all sharing space on Route 6. Clifford added that there are pros and cons for both schools becoming the one selected for continued life as a school and that emotions around Center School run high.

            Planning Board Administrator Mike Gagne, who was moderating the meeting on this night, said that the subject of school consolidation has run as a subplot through several meetings, thus he thinks it might make sense to invite school staff as well as members of the UMass Collins Institute (the consultants selected to study all municipal buildings) to the next meeting.

            Fox said that presently the town-owned Holy Ghost grounds are not ready for use but have great potential for the use of fields for sports activities. She said the pickleball program has been a success and is thinking how to offer an indoor version moving forward. Mattapoisett’s Recreation Department uses one classroom on the first floor of Center School primarily for administrative purposes.

            Earlier in the discussion, Coucci also talked about space limitations. Currently the COA program is located on the second floor of the original section of Center School. She said that handicap parking in front of the COA is difficult to use and that the COA does not have dedicated parking space, just whatever can be found on surrounding streets or in the neighboring church lot. Haley also said that seniors need some dedicated outdoor space, possibly a pavilion.

            In discussing recreational opportunities for seniors, Coucci said that the small rooms dedicated to the COA currently are not adequate, especially for a growing demographic. She invited the committee members to the COA to see for themselves how the department is functioning and the challenges it faces.

            Before concluding her comments, Coucci said that 32 percent of Mattapoisett’s population is 60 years old or greater and that senior citizens are a growing demographic. “A vast number of baby boomers still in their 50s.” She estimated that the 2020 census will show seniors have risen to 35 percent of the town’s population.

            Huguenin spoke to the MLT goals of providing better access to trailheads and clearing of trails throughout properties that offer passive recreational opportunities. He acknowledged the difficulties of creating handicap access trails, noting that the Sippican Lands Trust invested more than $100,000 to build a raised boardwalk on one of its properties. He said he’d like to see greater use of parklands Munro, Tubb Mill, and the Dunseith, all properties that Huguenin believes lend themselves to people with mobility constraints.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Master Plan Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, July 7, at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Master Plan Committee

By Marilou Newell

            The Mattapoisett River Valley Water District Commission and Water Protection Supply Committee said goodbye to two valuable contributors, as Lauren Farinon and Paul Silva attended their final meeting.

            Farinon is leaving her long-standing post as Rochester’s conservation agent, while Silva chose to vacate his seat on the Mattapoisett Select Board.

            MRV member William “Nick” Nicholson praised Farinon for her efforts over the years, and Chairman Vinnie Furtado and Vice Chairman Henri Renauld echoed Nicholson’s sentiments. Furtado praised Silva for his “yeoman’s effort with the budget” and offered his thanks, while Rochester Town Counsel Blair Bailey called him “one of the best treasurers” with whom he had ever worked. Tata & Howard delegate Jon Gregory, a regular presenter/reporter for engineering at MRV meetings, said both Farinon and Silva have made invaluable contributions and will be sorely missed.

            David Pierce, member emeritus, said he worked many years with both Farinon and Silva. “I think of both of them doing such important work for our committee,” he said, praising their professionalism and “seriousness of purpose…. I hate to see old friends move on, but that appears to be part of life.”

            “You guys have been fantastic; this has been one of my favorite committees to work with,” responded Farinon.

            Silva volunteered to assist the new treasurer, while Mattapoisett Town Administrator Mike Lorenco has volunteered to take Silva’s place.

            Meghan Davis volunteered to take over for Farinon as clerk for both the MRV Water District Commission and the MRV Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee.

            Gregory presented to the committee charted information comparing the drought late last year against averages in the bodies of water supplying the MRV Water District. He described a “nice recovery,” on average a foot below the 25-percent line as things picked up from December to March.

            “If you took the readings over the winter, we’d be on that 25-percent line,” he said, but noted that data from the unusual early spring drought is not yet available.

            The Treasurer’s Report to the commission included $58,760.80 in total invoices for the month of May; total monthly chemical purchases of $473.50; Tata & Howard monthly invoices totaling $6,257.66; and Town of Marion quarterly payment of $42,969.80. There were no electrical charges for the month.

            It was thought that a $5,000 Tata & Howard check would need to be voided and rewritten to the Town of Fairhaven, but Renauld located the check before the meeting ended, and the commission voted to approve signing and sending.

            Wendy Graves, the Finance Director/Treasurer/Collector and Interim Town Administrator of Fairhaven, volunteered as the district commission’s new treasurer. Until recently, Graves was also the part-time treasurer for the Grafton Water District.

            The MRV voted to approve for the remainder of Davis’ appointment to September, when the MRV annually reorganizes.

            In his Koch Separation Systems update to the district commission, Gregory said some glitches were taken care of, that operators are tweaking ozone levels, and waiting on lab results. He said he will get the report and summarize the findings.

            Gregory suggested an FY22 engineering agreement for Tata & Howard not to exceed $30,000 to cover fees such as task and/or operations-type work. The funds are in the MRV’s budget, according to Renauld. Silva suggested what he called “a fair percentage increase … whatever the board feels is reasonable.” The MRV voted not to exceed 5 percent.

            In his Tata & Howard report, Gregory discussed chemical bids including potential one and three-year bid options. The preference was to keep the one-year because three-year bids amidst difficulty forecasting could result in inflated bids. The MRV will go with one-year chemical bids.

            In his treatment plant report, Renauld said, “It’s a little busy,” citing a humidifier motor fail that was fixed by an electrician, a rescheduling, and a coliform hit on a pilot skid; however, the next water samples came back clean. There was also a manual valve problem.

            Jeff Furtado’s Treasurer’s Report to the committee included $2.80 in bank interest, payments of $251.72 to Watling, $50 to Blair Bailey, and $7,064.09 to Tata & Howard. The ending balance for June 1 was $226,504.12. Expenditures since June 2020 have been $45,245.41, and total income since last July is at $85,735.73.

            Committee Chairman Vinnie Furtado reported new invoices of $221 and $153 to Meghan McCarthy through April, $3,436.29 for Tata & Howard, $251.72 for Watling, and $50 for Bailey. The committee voted to accept the Treasurer’s Report and pay the new bills.

            Gregory requested tabling the review and vote on the Tata & Howard engineering agreement until the MRV’s July meeting. Farinon questioned if the agreement had ever been formalized, and Gregory acknowledged that may in fact be the case, but it will be done. The MRV voted to table the engineering agreement to the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 3, at 3:30 pm (committee) and 4:00 pm (commission).

MRV Water District Commission/Water Protection Supply Committee

By Mick Colageo