The Rochester Planning Board didn’t beat around the fallen bushes on February 26 when it came to the Snipatuit Road solar farm owned by IGS Solar, formerly owned by Melink Corporation.

            According to Town Planner Steve Starrett, a large section of fence has fallen in the rear of the site, and about 12 of the planted Cypresses have fallen over. Apparently, IGS did not address these matters fast enough for the board, so the board voted unanimously to take the landscaping surety bond to make those repairs that would bring the project back into alignment with the orders of the board’s written decision.

            Planning Board Chairman Arnie Johnson said the board had threatened to revoke the bond in the past and, according to town counsel, the board was now well within its right to do so that evening.

            Now that the bond has been called in, IGS will have 14 days upon notification of the board’s action.

            “And [Town Counsel Blair Bailey] says, if we were so inclined tonight, we can take a vote,” Johnson said, which it did, unanimously.

            In other solar matters, Borrego Solar Systems failed the board’s recent “flag test” to see whether the solar panels at the corner of Rounseville Road and Mendell Road could be seen from the public roadway, resulting in the solar developer having to excavate a significant amount of earth in order to achieve a grade that would effectively conceal solar arrays behind the stockade fence.

            Steve Long from Borrego was in the hot seat that night and he admitted that, despite adherence to the calculations, the flags stationed at the sightline could still be seen above the fence. And with another so-called flag test scheduled for the following Thursday, Long vowed, “We’re gonna pass this time.”

            “I hope so,” said Johnson.

            “We checked it this time,” said Long.

            The area in question is specifically where there is a dip in the fence that follows along the grading of the land. 

            Since other areas subjected to the prior flag test passed, Johnson allowed the project to proceed with the installation of some of the racks that hold the solar arrays. But that night, Long was hoping the board would continue to put its faith in the solar developer and allow it to continue to install more racks. But that would be at the solar developer’s own risk, Johnson told Long, because there are also issues with a backflow of water onto Mendell Road.

            Long is confident that, once grass grows on the site, stormwater flow will be mitigated, but the board and its peer review specialist, Ken Motta, remained skeptical.

            “An established root zone on the grass … won’t take as much water as a forested area,” said Motta.

            Eight acres of woodlands were cleared to accommodate the project.

            “My suggestion would be to establish a monitoring point,” said Motta. “We know what the original water levels were. … My suggestion is that we just continue monitoring and give that area a chance to see how much of an affect that area is gonna get.”

            “I know we’re gonna pass the test on Thursday,” said Long, asking again to be allowed to continue to install racks ahead of the next flag test. 

            “At this point. They’re the ones who are gonna be responsible,” said Planning Board member Gary Florindo. “When it gets to the point where the water doesn’t stop going into the road … it’s their responsibility to correct it.” He continued, “If they want to continue to put the racking in, let them. … If you want to put ‘em up, put ‘em up.”

            But in the end, Johnson said, “We’re not gonna sign off until we have a significant rain event after a 70 percent vegetation [regrowth].” And, like with IGS, he said, the board could revoke the bond and get the work done.

            “You’re not out of the woods yet,” Florindo warned Long.

            Also during the meeting, the board continued the public hearing for REpurpose Properties for a 22-duplex age-restricted housing development after agreeing that eliminating one entry road and going with just one was a good idea. Johnson remarked that the same road design “worked good at The Pines,” and Motta agreed, saying, “It’s a good fit.” The applicant requested a continuance until March 26 in order to allow for a tandem Site Plan Review application, that of Plumb Corner Plaza property owner Sophia Darras.

            This application for Darras, care of Attorney Patricia McArdle, affects REpurpose Properties, as well as the land’s current property owner, Patricia Bray, Trustee of Union Jack Realty Nominee Trust. The proposed project involves the removal and abandonment of the existing drainage system and the installation of a new one that includes new catch basins, drainage manholes and piping, and stormwater recharge improvements.

            All appeared agreeable to the board, except that the project is located within the Groundwater Protection District, which requires the filing for a Special Permit. The hearing was continued until March 26.

            In other matters, the board closed the public hearing for 15 Cranberry Highway, LLC for the redevelopment of an existing building to accommodate a daycare center. The board granted all waivers requested by Field Engineering, including a waiver from required plantings around the existing stormwater basin, a reduction in setbacks for the basin, the waiving of a traffic study, and no landscape plan required, among other waiver requests.

            “It seems like all of our concerns were addressed,” Johnson said.

            The draft decision will be drawn up and reviewed at the next meeting, and then voted on during the next meeting following that one.

            Also during the meeting, Pedro Rodriguez, Solar MA Project Management, LLC, requested the withdrawal without prejudice of the large-scale solar voltaic installation Special Permit for 0 Old Middleboro Road. Johnson said the solar developer asked to withdraw without prejudice and re-file at a later date with plans that are “up to standards,” as Johnson put it. The board accepted the withdrawal without prejudice.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board is scheduled for March 12 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

            It is with heavy hearts that Town Manager Paul Dawson and Fire Chief Brian Jackvony announce the line of duty death of Marion Firefighter Thomas Nye.

            Firefighter Nye, age 72, served as a call firefighter with the Marion Fire Department for 45 years, appointed on Jan. 14, 1974. He responded to and helped extinguish a chimney fire on Point Road shortly before 1 p.m. on Tuesday and then returned home. He suffered what is believed to be a cardiac incident and collapsed early Wednesday morning. Firefighter Nye was transported to Tobey Hospital in Wareham, where he was pronounced dead.

            Firefighter Nye was the husband to Patricia M. (Westgate) and father to two adult sons, Thomas Jr., of Marion and Andrew, of Reading. He also leaves five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. He was married for 53 years.

            He was a Vietnam Veteran and worked as an automotive mechanic in his private and military careers. 

            “Firefighter Nye was a proud firefighter who served our community with distinction. We are a call fire department, and Firefighter Nye anchored our Station 2 during the day. While many of our younger firefighters are working their private jobs, he was always available when people needed help.” Chief Jackvony said. “We are all feeling the loss of our friend and brother firefighter today.”

            As a retired mechanic, Firefighter Nye was known to work well his his hands. He was always helping with station maintenance and could be counted on to swing a hammer or paintbrush whenever necessary. 

            The extended Nye family has a long and proud history of service in the Marion Fire Department and in the town government, boards and committees. Firefighter Nye’s nephew, also named Christopher, serves as a captain on the Marion Fire Department.

            “You would be hard pressed to find a Marion resident who has not heard of or know a member of the Nye family,” Town Administrator Dawson said. “On behalf of the entire community, I wish to offer my heartfelt sympathy to Firefighter Nye’s family and I extend my unending gratitude to the Nye family for their tireless service to Marion.”

            Arrangements are still being made at this time. A funeral with full fire department and military honors is anticipated, and details about the funeral and visiting hours will be released as soon as they are available. 

Statement of the Nye Family

            “The Nye family would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to everyone at the Marion Fire Department and all of Tom’s friends and colleagues in the Marion community and beyond who have offered their condolences and support during this difficult time.

            “Tom lived a full, active and proud life. He loved his family endlessly and adored his five grandchildren, Christopher, Hailey, Camryn, Lily and Piper and his great granddaughter Madison. Tom was a gentle soul who would have done anything for those he cared about. He was born and raised in Marion and was part of a proud firefighting tradition in his family. He also served in the Vietnam War and regarded his military service with tremendous pride. We are heartbroken for the loss of a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend whose memory will remain forever in our hearts.” — Sincerely, Patricia Westgate Nye and sons Thomas Nye Jr. and Andrew Nye

            The Nye family has requested privacy during this difficult time. 

During fiscal year 2020 talks with Facilities Department Director Shaun Cormier, the 

Marion Finance Committee on February 26 wondered if a “for sale” sign might be appropriate for the Town-owned building and venue for most Finance Committee meetings, 13 Atlantis Drive.

            The maintenance line item of Cormier’s budget needs an increase this year, Cormier told the committee, accounting for items such as the Town’s ten electric car charging stations that are nearing the expiration of their 3-year warranties.

            The committee asked Cormier some questions about charging station locations and whether use of the stations has been monitored, but Cormier had no further information to share other than that his department is “stuck with the repairs.”

             “It’s really not my puppy: it fell into my lap,” Cormier said.

            Cormier’s budget for maintenance includes $3,000 for maintenance projects at the Atlantis Drive facility, “And that’s not gonna cut it,” he said.

            Finance Committee member Alan Minard questioned Cormier about the other occupants of the building, like Saltworks Marine, apart from Cormier’s office at the site. He asked if whether there has even been any talk about selling the building.

            “There’s been some talk,” Cormier said, “but in order to get rid of it, we’ll have to make some space for [the] harbormaster.”

            Minard turned to Town Administrator Paul Dawson and asked if the Board of Selectmen ever followed through on a prior intent to survey the building to determine what is needed and not needed.

            “That did not happen,” confirmed Dawson.

            Cormier said the building has some significant issues right now, though, including a leaking roof needing new shingles, with asbestos underneath, old siding that needs replacement on the sides of the structure, new windows, all totaling about $300,000 over the next three years.

             “For sale,” remarked Minard.

            FinCom Chairman Peter Winters asked Cormier if he thinks the building could be ready for a sale in three years. Cormier said yes.

            Cormier said he has looked into possibly building a new facilities location at the DPW site on Benson Brook Road near the wastewater treatment plant, he said, which “might be a wash” with the sale price of 13 Atlantis Drive. He described a building with two garages on each side with shared office spaces in between.

            “We’ve tossed it around a lot,” Cormier said.

            The Finance Committee wondered if Saltworks might be interested in purchasing 13 Atlantis Drive, located in industrial zoning, which Cormier said was possible.

            The next meeting of the Marion Finance Committee is scheduled for March 6 at 6:00 pm at the Atlantis Drive Facility.

Marion Finance Committee

By Jean Perry

Mattapoisett Town Administrator Michael Gagne announced his retirement during the February 26 meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen. This decision has not been a secret within the walls of Town Hall – it was just a matter of when.

            “I’m retiring effective October 15,” Gagne announced with a smile.

            Chairman Jordan Collyer said that in about 60 days a job description would be posted. He said they could easily receive 18 or more resumes and that the selectmen may appoint a screening committee to help in vetting candidates.

            As Gagne began his monthly report, he said, “How quickly time passes.” He said he has spent 38 years as a municipal professional with 35 of those years in positions of executive administration.

            “My experience here in Mattapoisett has been excellent,” he stated. “There is a fine group of volunteers,” he said of the many people who populate various boards and commissions. He said that many ideas have been generated over the years from these volunteers, ideas that have been adopted by other towns. Most noteworthy has been the work that went into positioning Mattapoisett as the first town in the southeast to achieve an AAA rating due in large part to the Town’s financial governance.

            Gagne said he has had the pleasure of making many good friends over the 10 years he has been the town administrator, and that team effort was the hallmark of his time spent handling the Town’s business. He hoped he could continue to be of service to the Town after his retirement.

            In Gagne’s monthly report to the selectmen, there were several roadway projects and other transportation-related issues, another bit of Town business he has been shepherding through various stages as a variety of grants are being sought.

            From the Industrial Drive renovation project where a possible $1 million Mass Works Grant will be pursued to the $450,000 grant being looked at from the state for new pedestrian trails to last, but not least, upgrades to the village streets of Main Street, Water Street, and Beacon. Gagne said there were many exciting opportunities on the horizon. He also shared that a recent public meeting held to discuss a Complete Streets Program was well attended.

            Of the village street roadway project, Gagne said that the engineering firm VHB had submitted renovation documents to MassDOT District Five and were now under review.

            Gagne also talked about recent population data he downloaded from the Massachusetts Municipal Association website for Mattapoisett. The data clearly demonstrates decreasing kindergarten enrollment numbers that seemed to correlate with declining population numbers for people between the ages of 24 and 44 years of age. An uptick in the number of people living in the community over the age of 60, but younger then 65, also was not a surprise, given that nearly a third of the total population was over 50 years of age.

            This data, Gagne said, bore out the need to study whether or not the town needed two elementary schools. He said that the possibility of converting one of the schools into a multi-facility building seemed viable.

            “Maybe a professional should be brought in to produce a report,” said Gagne. An evaluation for FY21 so that policy and decision makers can take a look. Maybe it tells us about services needed for that age group,” he concluded.

            Continuing on the theme of streets, Paul Silva asked if MassDOT should be asked to study the posted travel speed on Route 6 from Main Street to Prospect Road. The posted speed is 40 in some spans of the state highway, and 50 or more in others. Gagne said he’d follow up.

            The historic arched stone bridge spanning the Mattapoisett River on River Road may soon be weight restricted. Gagne reported that Barry Denham, highway superintendent, along with the engineering firm G.P.I, had prepared documents for MassDOT and that those were now under review. The bridge had in recent years suffered several direct hits from large tractor trailers attempting to use the bridge.

            Moving to the status of work being done by the Marine Advisory Committee charged with the responsibility of studying every aspect of the waterfront enterprise, they are nearing completion, said Collyer.

            The selectmen also discussed the impact that the opening of Phase 1B of the bike path would have on parking at the Depot Street parking lot. Collyer suggested considering that boat trailer parking be allowed at the Town Beach parking lot with overnight parking allowed in several slots.

            Earlier in the evening, the annual meeting of the Tri-Town Herring Committee led to discussion of when the Town of Fairhaven would be giving herring run keys to Mattapoisett. Mattapoisett representative Bob Martin and Fairhaven representative Jeff Furtado said that the exchange was imminent. This move will allow Mattapoisett to take control over the Mattapoisett River levels for the first time since the pumphouse located on River Road was built many decades ago. Martin also reported that the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries will assist in replacing a dilapidated fish ladder at the River Road herring weir.

            Before the selectmen began their regular meeting, incoming Police Officer Charles Tranfaglia and Sargent Scott LeBlanc were sworn-in to their new positions after the Board of Selectmen moved to accept their appointments.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for March 12 at 6:30 pm in the Town Hall conference room.

Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen

By Marilou Newell