Old Rochester Regional High School plans a real, live, in-the-flesh commencement, albeit in a less-lengthy, make-shift format to ensure proper spacing and public safety. The target date is 10:00 am on Saturday, August 8, with a rain date of Sunday, August 9, at the football field.

            Here’s the twist: The Class of 2020 will sit in the bleachers, and families will be spread out on the field.

            “I will hand out diplomas in the rain if I have to,” said ORR Principal Mike Devoll during the May 27, remote-access meeting of the ORR School Committee. “I marveled that a lot of decisions have had to be made with no guidance and no history, and we feel like we made the right decisions… It should be about what makes the most sense for our kids and our community.”

            Devoll didn’t want to let the academic year-end with senior grades, which were due last week, and then not see those students again, so in meeting with committee members Heather Burke and Joe Pires a list of activities and events has emerged. Citing Pires’ phrasing of “a slow drip of information,” Devoll said, “We should really keep (the graduating seniors) active in our school community.”

            The slow drip of activities and events that will fall between now and commencement began on May 28 when graduating seniors visited the high school in drive-through fashion, spaced out according to homerooms, to return textbooks, pick up yearbooks and surprise gifts including a long-sleeve t-shirt decorated with the school-mascot Bulldog and “Quarantine” across the front.

            Other upcoming graduation-related events include: a June 14 YouTube event in which scholarships will be announced; on June 15 students will discuss a life decision that helped them; a June 19 Senior Parade in which students will form a motorcade behind police escort to visit district elementary schools while Fun 107 radio broadcasts live and recorded voice messages from graduates to staff and classmates with all cavalcades converging back at the high school; and August 4 (if allowed) the Senior Prom. There will also be an awards night in person or in video.

            Traditionally held at noon, the 10:00 am commencement will comply with state mandates against an indoor gathering and against tents and, at the same time, spare attendees the hottest part of the day. Capacity will be limited and tickets will be issued for admittance.

            Pires told the committee, “This is also going to help our underclassmen.”

            Chairperson Cary Humphrey suggested the event could begin a new tradition. “We want to celebrate these seniors like they’ve never been celebrated before because of what they’ve been through.”

            Some colleges may open as early as August 10, but Devoll was pleased to inform the committee that student-athletes have been given permission by their college sports programs to come back for the August 8-9 weekend to participate in ORR’s commencement.

            Four ORR students addressed the committee meeting to discuss their experiences with remote learning and offer feedback.

            “It definitely made us realize how much we really took everything for granted,” said senior class vice president Cecilia “Ceci” Prefontaine. “Even though I enjoy going to school, we definitely have a greater appreciation for life… Besides that, I think our teachers have done a very good job with remote learning.”

            “With this whole situation, we’re focusing the best that we can… I now know that we have been taking everything for granted… It is going okay, but it is so much better being in class,” said Autumn Tilly, who has been helping in an effort to make some slides of the seniors.

            “I think that the way this school has handled online learning is the best that we could have done. It’s not perfect, but it’s a really good mix of synchronous and asynchronous (learning),” said Ally Ward. “We’re all dealing with the world and each of us has stressors… we try to communicate.”

            Junior Eddie Gonet prepared a list “because the school has been doing so much for us students.” He noted the opportunity to learn about careers and new interests, the club hours where students can gain emotional support, the student council’s food bank supported by a Go Fund Me web campaign, seeing familiar faces at online yoga, and alumni presentations where students hear about the steps after high school and how ORR assists students after graduation. “I thank everyone, they’re doing the best they can and the best they can is the best around here,” said Gonet.

            Prefontaine agreed with Gonet’s assessment that ORR is handling the ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic “well and better than some districts.”

            ORR Junior High School Principal Silas Coellner reported that feedback led to the junior high making more frequent connections with students, offering more online live sessions via Zoom and Google Meet. “Now students have three opportunities a day and 25 opportunities a week,” he said.

            Incoming (as of July 1) Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson reported that ORR has offered to hold each Individual Education Plan meeting that should have been held and that there has been a 95 percent response rate.

            “I know some school districts are going toward remote only; we’re keeping the door open for a hybrid model,” said Nelson of ORR’s summer outlook. “Things change each day, each week. Right now, the summer is a remote plan, but we’re staying ready to expand.”

            Superintendent of Schools Doug White said that ORR District school offices are fully staffed with safe protocols and proper training in state guidelines. Buildings, however, are still not open to the public.

            Nelson indicated that by mid-June superintendents will receive an update on the potential for a return to school in the fall.

            “We’re working hand in hand with Gene Jones with (personal protective equipment). Doug and I meet weekly with union presidents from the districts,” said Nelson, who has been interacting with teachers and town officials regarding what a possible fall return to school would look like. “There are no details yet, but it’s on our minds each and every day.”

            White cautioned the committee that, “We don’t know what the Board of Health in each community is going to say we can and cannot do.”

            Debbie Dyson addressed the committee about a girl from Denmark who had planned to attend ORR in the fall. The committee voted to postpone the student’s arrival and all exchange programs to 2021, pending further developments relative to COVID-19.

            Tony Rosselli was invited to discuss his ongoing audit of the ORR School District and addressed a few issues: ORR’s archaic phone system and its limitations in assisting police in the event of an intrusion; the uncertainty of Chapter 70 aid next year; four budget deficits including nearly $150,000 in athletics; along with the district’s falling bond rating.

            The committee would later approve $29,100 in funding for a new phone system in the high school, junior high and central office. The quote was for $70,000, $41,000 of which would be canceled by a refund.

            Rosselli also pointed out that ORR does not have a regional stabilization fund.

            “I would like to see a capital stabilization fund. There are revenue stabilization funds (that act as circuit breakers if Chapter 70 is cut). Once those are established, you have a vehicle to put money away,” he explained. “They’re rainy-day funds… It’s pouring out. You folks don’t have that; you don’t have anything.”

            After discussion, White said the matter will go onto the committee’s June 17 meeting agenda, along with a decision on the other capital-planning project, a net funding of $54,000 to upgrade auditorium lighting and safety rigging.

            In other business, the committee approved Project Bread’s $3,000 donation for ORR’s nutrition program.

            White reported that engineers have looked at three phases for the high school’s new football press box, which will include a handicapped-accessible elevator. All funding has been secured. Humphrey thanked Booster Club president Justin Shay for his work on the project.

            The committee approved a 1/12 budget for FY21 that only comes into play should June 22 area town meetings not be held.

            Along with some timely revisions to the high school student handbook, the committee approved additional funds for retirees beyond two to up to four individuals to receive early-retirement incentive packages.

            Finally, Nelson reported having partnered with principals around the issue of cultural proficiency in a program called “Diversity Talks,” in which 700 participants in Grades 7-12 met online on May 27 and heard a student share her experience working through issues of racial tension, staff relations, and what Nelson called “non-negotiables,” adding that , “We’re committed to make (ORR) a place where all students feel comfortable.”

            The ORR School Committee is scheduled to meet one more time before the town meetings on Wednesday, June 17.

ORR School Committee

By Mick Colageo

            Upon the retirement of longtime public servant David Pierce from his final role as chairperson of the Marion Water Committee and the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District Commission, the Marion Board of Selectmen voted to dissolve the water committee and take on its responsibilities.

            The Board of Selectmen in Marion also acts as water and sewer commissioners, so it will now divvy up duties associated with the water committee and interact with the Mattapoisett River Valley Water Supply Preservation Advisory Committee and Mattapoisett River Valley Water Supply District Commission while keeping its relationship with Rochester intact as well.

            Marion Board of Selectmen Chairperson Randy Parker and Department of Public Works Director David Willett already sit on the District Commission, so the transition is expected to flow smoothly.

            According to Town Administrator Jay McGrail, this new responsibility will entail quarterly meetings with Rochester Water Commission representative Fred Underhill. McGrail told the meeting that the Water Committee voted unanimously to move forward pending Board of Selectmen’s approval.

            Upon hearing this news and engaging in discussion, the selectmen went straight into reconstruction mode. Parker suggested that the quarterly meeting dates follow MRVWSPAC/MRVWSDC meetings so that he and Willett can properly inform with the latest information.

            Selectman John Waterman cited the opportunity to include periodic updates on the wastewater treatment plant and Route 6.

            Selectman Norm Hills asked if the water committee had a clearly laid-out mission, McGrail said no. Waterman added that the agenda was always the same and suggested the selectmen develop a mission statement to keep the reorganized group on task.

            A motion to dissolve the water committee passed, and after discussion, McGrail said the new schedule would be set according to the final Wednesday of each quarter at 4:00 pm. He will invite Underhill and engineers Tata and Howard if appropriate.

            As part of McGrail’s Action Item list, a May 19 credit memo Water and Sewer commitment of $1,808.28 was approved.

            The board approved the reappointment of Zoning Board of Appeals Chairperson Marc LeBlanc following a one-year term. Potential rotation of the role was discussed as is the case in Marion’s other boards including the Board of Selectmen.

            Waterman asked that it be written into the record that the Board of Selectmen waived the standard requirement of an interview and also suggested that Marion get some Tabor Academy people on the town’s committees, be it faculty or administrators. “It’s a way of connecting us better with Tabor,” he said.

            Board of Health Chairperson John Howard is a Tabor alumnus and has had children and grandchildren attend the prep school.

            In his Town Administrator’s Report, McGrail opened by thanking Pierce for many years serving on Planning Board, Energy Management, Housing Authority, the Mattapoisett River Valley Water Supply committee and commission and the Board of Selectmen, in several cases serving as chair.

            Dave Flaherty was officially introduced as the town’s new, part-time health agent. “Dave is actually the first… in a really long time… health agent who actually works for the town,” said McGrail.

Flaherty has worked for Wareham, Raynham and Yarmouth in health and town administration. Flaherty began working at 10:00 am on May 29, less than an hour after agreeing to a contract. Parker noted prior positive experience working with Flaherty.

            McGrail also introduced Caleb White as the town’s summer intern scheduled to work one day per week. White, whose role may expand later in the summer, worked in the Planning department last year in Sandwich. He will be a senior in the fall at Western New England University.

            Action items also included a review and approved a new policy for town vehicles that will become effective January 1, 2021.

            On Monday, June 15, Marion will hold a public hearing from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm to walk the Board of Selectmen through the 58-article warrant for the June 22 Town Meeting. McGrail will assign articles with each of the three selectmen according to their levels of involvement with those articles so that they can be best prepared for discussion.

            As of now, McGrail sees it as a Zoom meeting. “The question part is a little challenging. If we have 15 people, it will be manageable via the chat function or the raising of hands; if it’s 50, that’s more of a challenge. Zoom is not super friendly (for questions),” he explained.

            Hills suggested having attendees register so the board can respond with answers. Waterman suggested a moderator categorize questions according to immediate versus prepared, written responses and to set a time limit of 90 minutes for questions and answers.

            Parker said the warrant needs to be out to the public beforehand or the hearing doesn’t make a lot of sense. McGrail said the warrant went to the printer over a week ago.

            The board authorized McGrail to move on the Mary’s Pond well-field pump-station upgrade. After Tata and Howard estimated costs, $600,000 was budgeted for the projects, and bids came in below that amount. D&C Construction was the low bidder.

            McGrail told the board that restaurants will be requesting outside seating areas and that on June 16 there will opportunities for discussion.

            Town Meeting’s RSVP process has yielded 30-40 registered attendees; Marion’s quorum is 50. McGrail will know on June 15 if the town needs to use the Tabor Academy fieldhouse as a fourth location.

            Asked at adjournment by The Wanderer, McGrail said that the town had planned for the “Kneel for Nine” peaceful protest set for the night of the meeting, June 2, at the Music Hall. “We have staffing plans in place with the Chief of Police (John Garcia); he will be down there to oversee the event.”

            The protest remained peaceful, and Garcia kneeled with participants in acknowledgment of last week’s tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the need for healing across the nation.

Marion Board of Selectmen

By Mick Colageo

            Marion’s Department of Public Works is preparing to apply for a coastal-resiliency grant aimed at benefitting the town’s wastewater collection system. The grant totals $300,000, 25 percent of which has to come from the town. There is an article on the draft warrant for the June 22 town meeting to provide Marion’s $75,000 portion.

            In his Town Planner Report, Gil Hilario told the Planning Board during its June 1 remote access meeting that a year and a half ago he and Planning Board member Norm Hills were doing the grunt work associated with preparing an application for the grant without the aid of a DPW director (David Willett was not yet onboard). Hilario and Hills went inside every single pumping station to take measurements and record information necessary to present the town’s case.

            “A lot of work went into that first initial project and we need to continue it to make it work, otherwise it would be a waste. I’m happy to see us applying (for the grant),” said Hilario.

            The money will fund design and planning work to help Marion decide whether to upgrade or build a new pumping station.

            An Approval Not Required (ANR) application was filed by Tangi Pina, 1011B Point Road, for the acquisition of land immediately behind her property. After a brief discussion, the Planning Board approved the transfer without a formal review process.

            “The big concern that I had was would it make Parcel A more non-conforming and clearly it does not,” said Board Chairperson Will Saltonstall.

            Hills asked if the acquired lot is buildable. Saltonstall explained that is it not and is only being acquired to create a backyard for the owner of the smaller portion of the property.

            The board passed a motion to approve the ANR transfer of the property. Signatures were to be made by board members.

            Saltonstall said an applicant wants to move an ice cream shop into the place where a candy store had been next to the barbershop at the juncture of Spring Street and Route 6. He said the board is likely to hear a presentation in the next couple of weeks. Technically, explained Saltonstall, ice cream is fast food and therefore will require a special permit.

            Hilario said it will almost be a repeat of the same application with just a different tenant on the same property.

            Saltonstall said, that in order to waive a pre-submission hearing – the Planning Board decides – there might be an environmental assessment of the facility. “That might be a little overkill for the level of thing that’s being proposed here,” he said. More discussion and potentially the presentation will be heard at the board’s next meeting.

            In keeping with the requirements of his report, Hilario reporting on managing the town’s single Zoom account. Various departments request its use from Town Administrator Jay McGrail and, upon approval, Hilario sets up their meetings. He’s managed Zoom meetings for everything from the town’s adjudicatory boards to meditation class.

            The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 15, to discuss warrant articles for the June 22 town meeting and the potential application for the ice cream shop.

Marion Planning Board

By Mick Colageo

            Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar summarized Town Meeting warrant articles for the Board of Selectmen during its June 1 remote access meeting. The board will hold at least one more meeting before the Monday, June 22, 7:00 pm Town Meeting at Rochester Memorial School.

            The annual operating budget will see a 1.97 percent increase for FY21 to cover general government, public safety, public works, human services, cultural and recreation programs, fixed costs, debt and insurances. The total is approximately $22,200,000. “FinCom worked very hard to get this budget; it covers the needs as well as our fixed costs,” said Szyndlar.

            Szyndlar’s rundown of warrant articles yielded the following highlights:

            Article 10 addresses capital funding from the Capital Improvement Fund: Among the six items recommended are: technological upgrades at Rochester Memorial School in excess of $26,000; an HVAC rooftop compressor; town hall basement work at $7,000; a message-board trailer $16,000, a walk-in refrigerator; and a gas-burner for the Council on Aging.

            Article 11 is a highway excavator at $99,500 that would be paid for with free cash. Capital planning had it as a recommendation but there is no funding source.

            Article 12 proposes a change to the date of the town election to the fourth Wednesday of May, which would schedule the election after town meeting in a departure of the tradition. (Due to circumstances falling out from the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s town election will be held on Wednesday, June 17, with town meeting on Monday, June 22.) 

            Articles 16 and 17 proposed the town’s acceptance of changes to Forbes Road and Douglas Corner Road. Town Counsel Blair Bailey said the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the matter on Tuesday, June 9, and the Board of Selectmen will need one more meeting before town meeting, then town meeting votes on acceptance. Bailey clarified that the two roads affect one section of the Connet Woods development and that the Planning Board will vote on whether the proposal is complete enough to accept.

            Article 18 proposes an easement at Ryder Road and Old Middleboro Road for access to Seaboard Solar Holding LLC. Bailey said the affected stretch of Old Middleboro Road is considered an “ancient way” so the work would not be allowed unless improved to a standard set by the Planning Board. Old Middleboro Road’s traditional route comes close at one point to a wetland. The Conservation Commission was asked by the applicant to encroach town property abutting Old Middleboro Road in order to avoid wetlands. Selectman Brad Morse asked if the easement would result in better access to Rochester’s town-owned property, to which Bailey answered, “Yes. It’ll go far beyond our piece.”

            Article 19 proposes crediting firefighters with up to five years of service toward retirement benefits for years of “call duty” before officially becoming town employees. Bailey explained that several former call firefighters now work for the Department of Public Works or the Highway Department, and this would credit those employees as though they were officially in town employment during their call-firefighting careers.

            Morse and Woody Hartley sought more detail in terms of number affected and financial impact. Exact numbers were not available, but Bailey said it was not many. “We have to know that,” said Morse, who said he is “in favor of it” but that the selectmen have to do their homework and be able to defend the approval at town meeting.

            Article 21 will see the town vote on whether to appropriate $300,000 instead of the originally planned $100,000 addition to the stability fund. “Because of the environment that we’re in and uncertain budget cycles, we need to be prudent and put as much as possible into our stability fund,” said Szyndlar.

            Article 22 is a citizens’ petition to transfer from free cash $50,000 in order to reduce the tax rate.

            In her Town Administrator’s Report, Szyndlar reported having recently received a Green Communities grant contract. Rochester applied for $136,000 to assist with energy conservation measures, lighting controls, spray valves, technical assistance at the Council on Aging, Fire Department, Library, Police Department, Memorial School, and Town Hall. Once the state’s Department of Energy Resources responds, Rochester can approve the targeted projects that were voted forward at last fall’s town meeting. None of the projects, said Szyndlar, fall under the capital funding category.

            “It’s important that we walked through the list,” said Szyndlar. “This money is going to carry over the next few years.” She added a longer-range dimension to their significance in terms of value and “biggest bang for the buck” because Rochester in this scenario is more likely to be granted approval by energy resources. “Some of these seem minor,” she said, “but it’s really gearing up for the future contracts that we have.” Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon played a role along with vendors and consultants. “We did some really great research and made some really good decisions. It was a good team,” said Szyndlar.

            As of June 1, half of Rochester’s early-voting applications had been sent out with the remaining number expected to be received by Thursday, June 4.

            Szyndlar reported that town buildings remain subject to restrictions and protocols including 25 percent occupancy and six feet of personal separation. “Until we can meet these requirements, Town Hall and the Annex will postpone interactions with the public except by appointment only,” she said.

            The town website will soon have details regarding access to Town Hall, Annex, Council on Aging, and Library. “We have to keep the employees safe as well, so we really have to give this some detailed thought here,” said Szyndlar, alluding to the challenge presented by the confined spacing in the town’s public buildings.

            The board went into executive session to discuss the potential purchase of land at Rounseville Road, and came back to public session to vote to approve an order not to exceed $160,000 in an effort to make that purchase.

            Hartley reported a positive meeting with other town department heads, along with an online training he attended on COVID-19 as it affects elections and town meeting. “We spent most of the time (in the multi-department meeting) talking about COVID-19, but it was well attended and a well thought out meeting. It was a good meeting to attend. (It) made you feel good about our town,” he said.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen will be held on Monday, June 8. Typically held at 11:00 am, the meeting will be held at 6:00 pm to include the Finance Committee, Capital Planning Committee, town meeting moderator, and the town clerk for final town meeting warrant review and recommendations, after which the Board of Selectmen will presumably sign the posted warrant.

Rochester Board of Selectmen

By Mick Colageo