Town Meeting Revisits Marijuana Bylaw Amendments

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            Before plowing into the long list of subjects that the Mattapoisett Finance Committee will be reviewing ahead of the October 21 Fall Special Town Meeting, Town Administrator Michael Gagne announced that amendments to the town’s Zoning Bylaws related to the industrial cultivation of marijuana and the production of marijuana products both for retail and medical purposes would once again be before the voters.

            To clarify how this matter has come and gone and now reappeared on the public stage, The Wanderer contacted Mattapoisett Town Clerk Catherine Heuberger.

            Heuberger stated that the recently advertised Planning Board hearings were for the “exact same amendments as before”, resulting from a citizens’ petition for the article to be placed on the special town meeting warrant. One petitioner, David McIntire, however, had requested that the amendment articles be withdrawn from the warrant, but Heuberger’s office later learned from town counsel that McIntyre’s request could not be carried out.

            “We learned from town counsel that one petitioner cannot withdraw on behalf of 200 petitioners,” she stated. Thus, all petitioners who signed in support of adding the article to the warrant would have also had to request withdrawal, which Heuberger said did not happen.

            “So we had to go through the public hearing process again and that will be in October with the Planning Board,” she confirmed.

            She said that a November 4 Special Town Meeting would be set if the matter reaches that point.

            The Mattapoisett Planning Board will hear the proposed zoning bylaw amendment article on October 7 at 7:00 pm at Old Hammondtown School.

            Gagne confirmed that a two-thirds vote was needed at town meeting for the amendments to pass.

            Getting back on track with topics for budget discussions, Gagne shared updates on the new fire station building. He said construction estimates were holding, and he was pleased with the work done by project manager Context. He said that bids are scheduled to be released in October with a return date of January 1 in anticipation of shovels in the ground by March 1.

            Gagne said that he wanted the FinCom to consider putting additional monies into a Reserve Fund for insurance deductibles in the amount of $25,000+, as well as establishing a reserve account for Mattapoisett’s share of ORR capital needs. On this later subject, he said that discussions were needed with Rochester and Marion to ensure the tri-towns were in agreement.

            Harborside assets were also mentioned, with Gagne emphasizing the need for a plan for Long Wharf repairs. Such details and engineered designs would position the town for grant monies, he said. Gagne also recommended establishing an account for long-term care and maintenance of the bike path. He suggested a starting point of $20,000 per year.

            Gagne also noted Capital Projects’ Debt Stabilization funding, saying, “We need to be putting what we can in there.”

            Road improvements will once again be addressed with Barry Denham, highway surveyor, who will meet with FinCom for a look at priorities. 

            Regarding municipals needs, Gagne said such matters as ADA compliance, town-wide security systems, and an analysis of town hall and local schools for available space were all on the list of things to be evaluated. Also, the school and library both need masonry maintenance work, Gagne reported, and a workplace safety program was “long overdue.”

            Gagne cautioned of the looming new Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act requirements for stormwater management, regulations that need to meet state MS4 compliance. He said that some cities and towns are being cited already for issues related to MS4 and that time was of the essence.

            “It will be one big undertaking,” said Gagne. “We have got to put money in there.”

            Military personnel were not forgotten as Gagne said he wanted to think about what he called a “Bronze Star” article for the warrant. The article would ask the voters to approve a waiver of property taxes for the families of service personnel whose ultimate sacrifice had been given. “We pay those taxes out of the abatement account,” he said.

             The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Finance Committee is scheduled for September 26 at 3:00 pm in the Town Hall conference room.

Mattapoisett Finance Committee

By Marilou Newell

Despite Spraying, EEE Still A Threat to Tri-Town

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            Don’t let your guard down, says Marion Public Nurse Kathleen Downey, because mosquitos that carry the deadly Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus are still very much out there and populations aren’t likely to drop until our first hard frost.

            The state initiated a third round of aerial spraying this week, which might lessen the presence of mosquitos to a degree; however, as Downey points out, “The threat doesn’t go to zero.” It’s that first hard frost – a minimum of 28 degrees for a minimum of three hours – when most mosquitos will disappear, but that could take until December, she said.

            Still, according to entomologist Blake Dinius, there is no real “season” for mosquitos. Mild days in fall and winter can draw mosquitos out, he said. In fact, a 50-degree day well after the first frost can activate one human-biting mosquito, the northern house mosquito, known to carry West Nile Virus. Culex pipiens, Dinius said, “It’s one of the few mosquitos who overwinters as an adult.”

            But even after that first frost, given the nature of EEE outbreaks, the entire region should expect an increased EEE threat next year as well, and quite possibly the year after that.

Is Aerial Spraying Effective?

            With aerial spraying, the mosquitos must be flying when the fog is released from the air, and the insecticide cannot penetrate the tree canopy.

            Dinius is an expert on mosquito- and tick-borne diseases. According to Dinius, the effectiveness of aerial spraying varies from very effective to somewhat effective to not effective at all. There are multiple reasons for this and a number of variables involved, including the weather, temperature, and the very nature of the insecticide.

            Aerial spraying is used, for the most part, in order to reach areas inaccessible by truck for ground spraying. The pesticide that is used is called Anvil 10+10, a combination of the two ingredients Sumithrin and Piperonyl butoxid. The method of use, Dinius said, is called “ultra low volume”, or ULV, which atomizes the liquid into a fog that floats or drifts above the ground to reach mosquitos in flight. If the air is too cool, “it’s just going to drop out,” said Dinius.

            The spray quickly breaks down an is essentially dissipated completely by lunchtime the following day. With ULV, Dinius explained, the amount of effective ingredient combined with water is extremely small – about a shot glass for every 8 acres. It’s a micro-dose, essentially.

            “Nothing is going to be a hundred-percent effective,” said Dinius. Past sprayings have resulted in some significant reductions in the population of mosquito species that concern us most –like the cattail mosquito, the principal mosquito that passes EEE to humans and horses – but do not fully eradicate them.

            “The effects (of aerial spraying) are sometimes zero,” said Dinius. “Sometimes it’s 44 percent effective,” he said, while another spraying might be 88 percent effective. “You end up with a mixed bag,” he said. “But because the threat is so grave… doing something about that to reduce the numbers, I think, is really, really important. Even if you had a 44 percent reduction, it’s better than nothing.

            “The state really has to do something about it, and a 44 percent reduction in [mosquitos],” Dinius said, “you’ve got to take the chance because people’s lives are at stake.”

Is Aerial Spraying Safe?

            The insecticide the state uses has been tested extensively and causes no health risks to humans and pets. The impacts on other species, Dinius said, is where studies are lacking.

            “There’s not enough data collected on impact,” said Dinius. Most people immediately think about the impact on bees, which Dinius said is insignificant because bees are not active or flying at night and, once they become active again, the insecticide is mostly broken down. But the impact on other species is a concern to Dinius.

            “In my personal opinion, it probably hits some really small moths,” said Dinius. “On micro-moths there is no assessment on those – they’re hard to find, hard to identify… How do you even determine if it had an impact on that?”

            Obviously, the state must weigh the cost benefit analysis of spraying versus not spraying, despite the dubious effectiveness that may result.

What’s the Best Way to Repel Mosquitos?

            At the individual level is where one can protect themselves the most from infected mosquitos.

            Despite some people’s lingering concern with the safety of DEET, Dinius said there have been four deaths associated with DEET use over the past 60 years. None of those deaths were confirmed to have been caused by DEET exposure.

            “That is squeaky clean safe in a world of – pretty much everything,” said Dinius. “It’s very, very safe.” For perspective, Dinius shared, 150 people around the world are killed every year by falling coconuts, while mosquito-borne diseases kill 1 million people. And DEET’s effectiveness cannot be overstated.

            For a near 100-percent effectiveness, a mosquito spray only needs to contain 20 percent DEET as an active ingredient. Any more DEET than that does not increase its effectiveness in repelling mosquitos, Dinius said.

Other Effective Non-DEET Repellants:

            Oil of lemon eucalyptus is effective at 30 percent as an active ingredient, but one must check the bottle of any type of mosquito repellant for evidence that it has been EPA registered and a number included as proof that the EPA has tested the product for safety and efficacy.

            BioUD is another effective alternative to DEET, but a product must contain 7.75 percent to be considered effective.

How Do They Repel Mosquitos?

            EPA-registered repellants, as Dinius put it, “They simply give these animals a stuffy nose.”

            Mosquitos don’t use their vision beyond 10 meters, so they aren’t attracted to us because the see us; mosquitos sense us from the chemicals we emit – the carbon dioxide we exhale while breathing and talking, our sweat, body odors, and body heat. Which is why, Dinius said, it is true that a mosquito will be more attracted to a “burly grown man” than a child.

            These smelly sprays we apply to ourselves don’t kill mosquitos, rather they interfere with the neurons and receptors located on the mosquitos’ antennae and on their mouthparts that detect the chemicals we emit. It confuses the mosquito. They have no idea what they are “smelling”.

What is Ineffective in Repelling Mosquitos?

            Dinus said many of the products labeled “all natural” repellents are not tested for efficacy, so those products, he said, “You use them at your own risk.” If there is no indication that it’s been approved by the EPA then there is no guarantee that it is safe, let alone effective.

            Citronella sprays and candles, those don’t work either, said Dimius, at least not to any acceptable level of repellency.

            There are bracelets marketed as insect repellants, but the majority of those have undergone studies that prove they are effective zero percent of the time.

            There was one bracelet, Dinius said, that sprays a chemical called metafluthrin, that worked “okay,” but the same cannot be said for those sonic emitters. Those do nothing to keep bugs away, he said.

            “Natural” yard sprays are useless, Dinius said. And some other types of mosquito spray for yards provide minimal effectiveness.

            “The sprays are very temporary,” said Dinius. “They last days to weeks. They’re not long-lasting like tick sprays.”

            Save your money, said Dinius, and call the Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project instead. They might be hard to get a hold of sometimes, but they will come spray your yard up to eight times a year for free.

Did You Know…

            Mosquitos are prehistoric and have been sucking for 200 million years. Mosquitos need nutrient-rich blood in order to produce eggs, but blood is not a food for mosquitos. Mosquitos eat leaf debris and plant nectar, and some species of mosquitos are actually pollinators. Only females bite in order to lay their eggs, which must be deposited in standing fresh water. Just the tiny bit of water in one soda bottle cap lying around your yard is enough water for a female to lay her eggs. If you have any of those flexible plastic gutter spouts in your yard, the standing water in one of those tiny ridges is also enough to host another generation of mosquitos. Mosquitos need water and are mostly aquatic creatures, spending three of their four life cycles in water. They don’t fly in temperatures below 60 degrees.

            Blake Dinius is employed by Plymouth County as an entomologist educator. He gave an informational talk called “The Bugs That Bite You” on September 20 at the Marion Natural History Museum before a small audience. He can be reached by emailing bdinius@plymouthcountyma.gov, or by calling 774-773-3404.

By Jean Perry

Sippican Historical Society

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In 1998, the Sippican Historical Society commissioned an architectural survey of Marion’s historic homes and buildings. The survey was funded half by the Sippican Historical Society and half by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Due to the limits of funding, not all of the historic buildings were surveyed, but over 100 were catalogued and photographed. The results of the survey are in digital form on the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s website and in four binders in the Sippican Historical Society’s office (and at the Marion Town Clerk’s office).

            Marion (Old Rochester) is one of the oldest towns in the United States, and the Sippican Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of documentation on its historic buildings. The Sippican Historical Society will preview one building a week so that the residents of Marion can understand more about its unique historical architecture.

            This installment features 604B Point Road. One of the finest examples of the Shingle Style in Marion, 604B Point Road was initially designed and built in 1891 by Charles Allerton Coolidge for his own summer residence. By the mid-20th century, Charles Allerton Coolidge Jr., the architect and original owner’s son, owned this house. The Coolidge descendants continue to own this wonderful home today.

Men’s League Basketball

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The Marion Recreation Department is proud to announce the 48th Year of Men’s League “Pick-up” Basketball on Wednesdays 7:30 pm to 9:15 pm from September 18 to May 13, 2020, Sippican School – Gymnasium (Park Street Entrance) Format: 5 on 5. Game to 11 Winners stay on.

            For more information please contact Marion Recreation Department 774-217-8355 or Jdickerson@marionma.gov

Rochester Historical Society Open House/Bake Sale

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Saturday, September 28 will be the opening day for the Rochester Historical Society’s new exhibit – “Rochester’s Notable People – Past and Present” at the museum located at 355 County Road, Rochester. The museum and exhibit will be open 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Research has been done on a number of Rochester residents: i.e: Arthur Lionberger, George Church, the Leonards, Raynor Gifford any many more. The museum will be open on weekends from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, beginning September 29 and every weekend in October. There also will be a bake sale on the September 28, which always is a big hit.

            The Society will also will be having a free yard sale on September 28. There were some items left over from our Yard Sale in August (plates, vases, glassware, etc) and they will be free on a first come first serve basis. Weather permitting, they will be outside; if not, inside the museum. Please stop by.

BOH Member Supports E-Cig Sales Ban

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            Marion Board of Health member Edward Hoffer, M.D. said it is time to act on e-cigarettes in Marion and on October 1 during the meeting of the Board of Health he would propose an emergency ban on the sale of all e-cigarette and ‘vaping’ products.

            But now, he may not have to.

            Governor Charlie Baker announced Tuesday afternoon, September 24 that all e-cigarette and vaping products will be banned from store shelves for four months.

            Across 38 states, nine deaths (as of press time Tuesday) and 530 confirmed and probable cases of lung damage related to e-cigarettes have been reported. So, the myth that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional combustible cigarettes, Hoffer said, “is almost certainly untrue.”

            “I’m not speaking for the Board of Health because it hasn’t yet been discussed or a decision made,” Hoffer told The Wanderer during a phone interview on September 24 before the governor’s announcement. “This is my own personal viewpoint that I’m expressing.”

            E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that work by heating a liquid containing nicotine (or THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) to produce an aerosol vapor that users inhale into their lungs. The liquid is often flavored to taste like candy, fruit, or mint, and many contain ingredients untested for safety for inhalation.

            According to Hoffer, some e-cigarettes and vaping liquids contain higher amounts of some toxins than regular cigarettes, and he says data shows that when people combine the use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes there are significantly higher rates of cardiovascular disease than those who only smoke regular cigarettes. (The American Journal of Preventative Diseases published a study last year that suggested daily e-cigarette use combined with combustible cigarette use could lead to a five-fold increase in the risk of heart attack.) Furthermore, Hoffer said, people who use e-cigs to quit regular cigarettes often continue to use both, and underage e-cig users will often eventually start smoking regular cigarettes.

            “What makes it (a ban) urgent is the associated cardiopulmonary disease,” said Hoffer. “It’s sort of become a mini epidemic over the summer.

            “We don’t know exactly what’s causing that illness,” Hoffer continued, “But until we know exactly what’s causing it, we need to basically make these unavailable.”

            Marion Public Health Nurse Kathleen Downey told The Wanderer on September 20 that the town-wide ban on flavored e-cigarette sales would likely be a temporary emergency ban pending further information from the Center for Disease Control.

            “The number of deaths that we’re seeing, it’s across all age groups nationwide – it’s not just kids, it’s adults. We don’t really know what the problem is,” said Downey. “What this motion (to ban) is, is to say: let’s put the brakes on this. We’re in unchartered territory. No one knows what we’re doing and this is very dangerous.”

            So far, Michigan has placed a ban all the sale of flavored e-liquids except tobacco-flavored pods. New York has also banned the sale of e-cigarettes, but will allow menthol and tobacco flavors to remain on the shelves. The Washington D.C. Council introduced a bill to ban the sale of all vaping products outside cannabis medical dispensaries or pharmacies and would require a doctor’s prescription to buy electronic vaping products. The City of San Francisco has banned the sale of e-cigarettes, too, and now Massachusetts has become the next state to ban them.

            The superstore chain Wal-Mart announced last week that it would not be restocking its e-cigarette products once the current inventory runs out.

            “I think it’s a crisis,” said Hoffer. “It’s not just my opinion, but the CDC, the American Medical Association – they’ve all recommended that no one use e-cigarettes. So, I don’t think what I’m proposing is radical.”

            The president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Matthew Myers, issued a statement on the issue of banning the products, urging municipalities that “it’s more important than ever for cities and states to protect kids by prohibiting the sale of all flavored e-cigarettes.”

            According to Downey, several Marion businesses had signed a letter to the Board of Health urging the board not to ban the flavored nicotine products and even mentioned the possibility of initiating legal action. That letter, however, could not be shared with The Wanderer until the board formally receives it in open session during its next meeting. Now, those retailers will have to take their grievances to a higher office.

            The 2018 Youth Tobacco Survey results shows “alarming” increases in middle school and high school e-cigarette use between 2017 and 2018 – 1.5 million more students use or have used them than last year, a 78 percent rise. In 2018, nearly 5 million young people used some form of nicotine product. The survey shows 3.6 million of them use e-cigarettes, making vaping the most common form of nicotine use in youth.

            The CDC and FDA analyzed the data and found that 39 percent of youths started using e-cigarettes because a friend or family member used them. Thirty-one percent said they started using e-cigs because of the availability of flavors like chocolate, candy, fruit, and mint. Seventeen percent believe vaping is less harmful than smoking.

            A similar survey in Massachusetts showed that 41 percent of high school students have tried vaping at least once, and 20 percent had vaped in the past 30 days – a rate that is six times higher than adults. Ten percent of Massachusetts middle school students reported that they have tried vaping at least once.

            Patients suffering lung damage as a result of vaping reported cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Some reported nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and some reported fatigue, fever, and abdominal pain developing over a few days or over several weeks.

            The CDC is advising all people to refrain from using e-cigarettes and issued the following statement: “If you have recently used an e-cigarette or vaping product and you have symptoms like those reported in this outbreak, see a healthcare provider.”

            Hoffer says anyone who used e-cigarettes to help quit smoking combustible cigarettes should absolutely not return to smoking regular cigarettes.

            “You’re best, safest decision is simply to stop,” said Hoffer. “The best alternatives are nicotine gum and nicotine patches that can deliver the nicotine your body tells you that you need. There are also prescription drugs that can help ease the cravings.”

            Downey said she supports the ban and expects other anti-smoking advocates will attend the Board of Health meeting next Tuesday, October 1, at 4:30 pm at the Marion Town House.

            “I’m highly suspicious that we’re heading the way that we did with tobacco, with opiates – being told that things are safe until we find out that they’ve totally destroyed peoples lives,” said Downey.

By Jean Perry

Magauran Appointed Town Clerk

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Elizabeth “Lissa” Magauran was appointed as the Town of Marion’s permanent full-time town clerk on September 20, after five years serving as the assistant town clerk.

            It was the resignation of former town clerk, Ray Pickles, on September 3 that prompted the Board of Selectmen to first appoint Magauran as the temporary town clerk that same day to serve out the remainder of Pickles’ term, which expires in 2020. Now, later in the month, the selectmen took Town Administrator Jay McGrail’s recommendation to appoint Magauran as the permanent town clerk and make her a full-time, non-union employee.

            With the assistance of Finance Director Judy Mooney, McGrail said the town was able to comprise a preliminary budget that would allow for a full-time town clerk because switching to a full-time town clerk, McGrail said, “reflects the needs of the town.”

            Magauran’s former position as part-time assistant town clerk will not be eliminated since it is a union position, but it will not be filled.

            “Although she wouldn’t have an assistant,” McGrail said, “to be honest, not much would change in her life.”

            As town clerk, Pickles was rarely if ever spotted in the Town Clerk’s Office alongside Magauran, and Magauran appeared at the previous election and annual town meeting in Pickles’ absence.

            According to McGrail, the new full-time town clerk arrangement will save the town $7,000 annually.

            “I’m not [recommending Magauran as the full-time town clerk] because I think the savings are a real issue,” said McGrail. “… I think the board has an opportunity to, yes, save a little money, but also do the right thing for the community.”

            Town Meeting voters accepted an article to make the elected town clerk position an appointed position during the 2019 Annual Town Meeting in May, giving the Board of Selectmen the appointing authority. Coincidentally, the Annual Town Meeting was McGrail’s first day on the job as town administrator.

            “When this opportunity immediately… presented itself on my first day on the job at Town Meeting, I immediately knew this was the direction that I thought the town should go,” said McGrail.

            “I think, honestly, it fits the building, the personnel, and the needs of the town in the best, most adequate way,” McGrail said. “Lissa does a great job.”

By Jean Perry

“Unstuck”: an OCD Film for Youth and Adults

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“Recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week” will take place October 6 to 12 at the Mattapoisett Library. Adults and youth are invited to a free screening of “Unstuck: an OCD Kids Movie” on Wednesday, October 9 at 6:30 pm. “Unstuck” is a short documentary that explains obsessive compulsive disorder through the eyes of children and their families. This educational and inspiring film follows a group of kids through recovery as they explain what OCD is and how they learn to face their fears and take their lives back. 

            A panel with knowledge and experience in the field of OCD treatment will make a brief presentation and will welcome comments after the film. The panel will include Caitlin White, LICSW, who is a Senior Clinical Social Worker at McLean Hospital’s Child and Adolescent OCD Institute, where she works with children and families with OCD and related disorders; and Morgan Browning, BA/BS, a Community Residence Counselor at McLean Hospital’s Child and Adolescent OCD Institute, as well as a researcher with labs at Brown University, University of Florida, and McLean Hospital.

Future of ORR Solar Depends on State, Tri-Towns

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            Installing a solar panel canopy over the parking lot at Old Rochester Regional High School has proven to be more complicated than expected, Superintendent Doug White told the Old Rochester Regional School Committee on September 12.

            The committee voted back on June 11 to authorize White to work with an attorney to review a 20-year contract with solar developer SunPower. White reported that the attorney had some reservations due to the fact that, as a regional school district, statute does not allow for a lease/contract for such a long length of time.

            “That put a little bit of a stall in what we’re trying to do… because, if you were to do that, you’re putting the three towns in a liability,” said White.

            The solution, he said, is to petition the state for special legislation to allow for the 20-year agreement, something White said he has already discussed with State Senator Marc Pacheco who has agreed to file on behalf of the ORR District. Once that special legislation is granted, White said the three towns would have to agree to allow the district to proceed with the contract.

            In the meantime, a lengthy pause in the process would mean the district would likely see the ensuing 20-year guaranteed electricity rate increase, which would decrease the anticipated $2.9 million in net savings to the district over the 20 years. However, according to White, SunPower has offered to front the $7,500 application fee for state solar subsidies to keep the process moving forward to ensure the highest savings possible for the district. If the special legislation or approval from the towns falls through, said White, “We can step out of it.”

            White specified that a vote that night would be to allow SunPower to file the application on the district’s behalf, not the approval of a signed contract with the developer. He said he was optimistic that the special legislation would be granted, given that the state often favors solar projects and regional projects.

            Also during the meeting, the committee had a rather heated discussion over high school gymnasium rental fees for private sports organizations after the Old Rochester Travel Basketball Association’s (ORTBA) three-year contract expired, resulting in a $10,000 fee increase the association’s director thinks is unfair.

            In 2015, the district and the association entered into a three-year agreement for a flat rental fee to increase by $500 each year, beginning with $6,500 and ending last year with $7,500. This year, the district billed the association under its standard $150 per hour rental fee, totaling $17,800.

            “We need to think about how we adjust that… and really look at how the facility is utilized for what amount of time,” suggested White.

            The $150 hourly fee breaks down into $100 for the space, and $50 for utilities. White commented that the rental fee policy was essentially based on the concept of a one-time use rental.

            White suggested starting the conversation at $25 per hour – $20 for the space and $5 for utilities – a “reasonable place to be,” he said, but some committee members had reservations on such a low number. 

            Still, said committee member Paul Goulet, “Seventeen thousand, 800 [dollars] is absolutely asinine to charge a travel team… How are they going to afford that?”

            School Committee member Heather Burke had examples of fees other schools charge, such as Somerset-Berkeley and Wareham that both charge $100 an hour. She said the policy subcommittee has been reviewing this policy as the topic arises.

            “I’m not against charging,” Goulet said, “but $17,000…”

            On behalf of the ORTBA, Greg Yeomans told the committee that he felt more like he was present to defend his case rather than as a “partner” with the school district, a position he would prefer.

            “You’re coming at a very political moment,” said committee member Tina Rood, “and it’s not your fault, but we have been told consistently over the last nine months that taxpayers in the Tri-Town really only want to fund this facility for the school day and the school activities and they don’t really want to invest in the wear and tear of other groups…

            “People who use it need to pay a fair share,” Rood continued. Perhaps not $17,800, she said, “But we need to keep the facilities up and we don’t have the funds in the capital budget to do that… It’s just the reality of how the district is funded.”

            Rental fees go directly into the operating budget – something Rood said should cease in order to reinvest the funds to maintain the facilities.

            ORTBA requested another three-year agreement with $500 incremental increases, but the committee was only comfortable granting a one-year $8,000 agreement for now until it can devise a “fair” rental fee for the group.

            White interjected to caution the committee and said, although he appreciates the ORTBA partnership with the district, “Our budget cannot subsidize other programs. It’s not even covering the current cost of our own athletics program. Our own athletics program only has $160,000 in the budget – it costs us close to $400,000 for our own athletes and we have to be careful with the dollars that we have that it’s not subsidizing other programs without taking care of what our first obligation is.”

            The discussion turned to adopting a policy to collect a one-time $100 fee per student to access all the clubs offered at ORR High School.

            The next meeting of the Old Rochester Regional School Committee is scheduled for October 23 at 6:30 pm in the ORRJHS media room.

Old Rochester Regional School Committee

By Jean Perry

Annual Fair Way Golf Tournament

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The 4th Annual Fair Way Golf Tournament put on by The Church of the Good Shepherd will be held on Saturday, October 5at Little Harbor Country Club. Shotgun start at 8:30 am. $80 per golfer/$320 a team.  All proceeds benefit homeless, hunger, substance abuse programs, and other outreach ministries in Wareham and beyond. For more information or RSVP call Natecia at 774-260-1924 or email natecia17@gmail.com