With the 2014 boating season just starting, the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen met with David Kaiser of the Mattapoisett Boat Yard to discuss pump out and launch services for the season. Also on hand to share in the discussion was Harbormaster Jill Simmons.
Critical to the cleanliness of local waterways are pump out services for the many boats moored in the harbor and for visiting boaters. Kaiser began the conversation by stating that his marina is licensed by the state to provide sanitation services. He said that they average about 25 clean-outs per day on a will call basis, seven days a week during the boating season. Simmons and Kaiser have also discussed having sign-up available at her headquarters, and she said that signage could be put up that would provide boaters with contact information for the marina pump-out service.
Town Administrator Mike Gagne expressed his concern that Leisure Shores Marina did not have or offer any type of pump-out service to its customers. Kaiser said that in previous years he had provided some collection services for the marina, but it failed to meet safety standards after a while causing him to pull out. He said it would be tricky to maneuver his pump-out boat between boats in slips at Leisure Shores, but something could possibly be worked out. Gagne said that although the troubled marina was working with the Zoning Board and others to bring the operation up to standards and within acceptable permitted business, things weren’t moving along as quickly as he would like and certainly not on this issue of sanitation services.
Selectman Paul Silva said, “Some of those boats are summer cottages.” Kaiser concurred, saying that a boat was equal to a residence in terms of sanitation needs. “They don’t leave there … so where does the waste go?” questioned Silva rhetorically. It was decided that Simmons and Kaiser will work together to try and schedule pump-out services for the customers of Leisure Shores.
Kaiser went on to say that providing pump-out services to outlying coves and beach community areas such as Aucoot Cove and Point Connett is difficult. He intimated that his contract only goes so far in terms of his business being compensated for providing this service, and going into those outlying areas rather stretches the budget a bit too far. He said that he would continue to try and provide services in those areas; however, asking boaters to meet him half way would be helpful. The board will work to have services listed on the Town’s web site.
The other service offered by the Mattapoisett Boat Yard is a free launch service. He said that it is better for his business to work from the Barstow pier, but that people really want to be picked up and dropped off at the town wharf area. Calling the launch service a “lost leader” for his business, he did say that he saw a benefit from it by an increase in other cash services they offered. “We gain more service work, so there is an advantage.” He also said that he wanted to help the town.
Discussion of the launch service centered around how best to designate a space at the town wharf for the launch that would not inconvenience other boaters. Simmons will work with Kaiser and her staff to coordinate efforts so that a space can be used for the water taxi service.
Gagne said that he has been in conversations regarding a wharfinger position. A wharfinger is a manager who oversees the activities on wharves to ensure the smooth use of and operation of the wharf. He said that maybe this person could oversee the launch schedule and communication necessary with boaters to ensure coordination of pick-up and drop-off services. Again, Simmons will work with Kaiser to come up with a plan.
Gagne also reported to the board that audio problems for video-taped meetings and programs have been resolved thanks to the assistance of Comcast. He also said that ORCTV will be returning to ORRHS and acknowledged that the school was home to a superior media center.
Regarding the street improvement project for the village area, Gagne said that meetings will begin soon with impacted residents to discuss with them exactly what can and can not be done. He said that cost estimates for engineering and construction will be completed in a few months.
He said that handicap ramp work on the Ned’s Point restroom will begin soon and will take two weeks to complete. Portable sanitation services will be available during the construction phase. He also said that restroom work on the Beach House will be completed by June 21. Finally, he said that electrical bids are now in for work needed at the town piers.
Earlier in the evening, Zoning Board of Appeals members, along with the Selectmen, honored Jeff Chase for his 25 years of service on the ZBA. Also honored was Raymond Harrington for 15 years of service on the Historical Commission.
Mary Soares came before the board to discuss her plan to offer Tai Chi classes at Ned’s Point on Monday mornings at 10:00 am. Because she will be asking for a free-will offering, Gagne will get together with her to confirm that the town’s insurance riders will cover the classes.
Geoff Smith of The Sightings LLC asked the selectmen about the possibility of a March 29 road race for a yet to be named charity. Smith also needs to drum up sponsors. Gagne told Smith he needed to review the race route and security and safety protocols with Chief Mary Lyons. Once he has met and received approval of the police chief, he was told to return to the board to firm up other aspects of the race. The Sightings LLC is a US Track and Field sanctioned racing entity.
The Hollywood Scoop, a new business coming to town, received approval for an entertainment license and the Summer Wharf Dances were also approved.
Tabled until the next meeting was a meeting with the new Town Clerk, Catherine Heuberger, and Nick Nicholson for the 2013 DEP Public Water System Awards.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for June 10 at 7:00 pm.
By Marilou Newell
