The Mattapoisett Recreation Committee is seeking new members to help bring more programs to town, according to Chairman Jeremy Collier, who spoke to the Board of Selectmen at their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 22.
Collier said the committee is looking to expand by two people, increasing the total number of members from five to seven. However, the committee could, by law, add as many as four new members.
“I think it would be advantageous to have four,” said Town Administrator Michael Gagne.
Collier said some of the organizations from which they are seeking new members include the Road Race Committee, Old Rochester Little League, the Council on Aging, Bike Bath Committee, Old Rochester Lacrosse, Matt Sail and others. Collier said recruiting members from different organizations in town would help bring new programs to fruition.
The commitment for new members as it stands right now would be meeting on the first Thursday of every month from September through June at the Center School. However, Collier said he would potentially look into meeting twice per month to make sure new programs are voted on in a timely manner.
“We are hoping to have the positions filled in the next month or two,” he said.
In other news, the Selectmen granted Fire Chief Andrew Murray permission to sell the town’s old Gamewell Fire Boxes. There are 35 of these boxes that used to be connected to the building and poles throughout the town.
“I think you will sell these very quickly,” said Gagne.
Murray said Fairhaven recently sold 100 of these for $75 apiece in two days, however Mattapoisett would have to set their prices based on the varying conditions of each individual box.
The Board also voted to appoint a new police officer as recommended by Police Chief Mary Lyons. Lyons suggested Nick Lorenco, a lifelong Mattapoisett resident. Lorenco studied both Criminal Justine and Business at Bridgewater State University and has been employed part-time as both an EMT and police officer in Mattapoisett since 2007.
“He has very strong credentials,” said Selectmen Chair Paul Silva.
Ray Andrews went before the board to give an update on the newly formed Mattapoisett Housing Trust. The recent Town Meeting awarded the Trust with $25,000 to start funding an affordable housing project for senior citizen in Mattapoisett.
Now that the funds have been acquired, Andrews said the next step is to set up a new Trust Committee and dissolve the old Mattapoisett Housing Partnership. The new Trust Committee would need 5-9 members, including one Selectmen. The Board voted to dissolve the old partnership and to adopt the new Trust.
The Board of Selectmen rearranged themselves for the upcoming year. They voted to appoint Jordan Collyer to be the new Chairman; while Tyler Macallister will assume the Vice Chairman role and Paul Silva will be the board’s new Clerk.
Gagne said both the Planning Board and Open Space Committee were seeking new members. On the Planning Board, one seat is available, and all interested candidates should submit their resumes and letters of recommendation to Town Hall by Tuesday, June 5. Interviews will be conducted on June 12 at the Board of Selectmen regular meeting.
All interested candidates for the Open Space Committee should contact Gagne. He encourages those who are looking for a small, few month’s commitment to get involved.
Gagne also encourages all residents to check out the town’s website, www.mattapoisett.net, for a complete on demand video archive of municipal meetings.
In other news:
•July 4th Road Race applications are available at Town Hall
•The Farmer’s Market will be held on Tuesdays from June 5 to October 16 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the Old Rochester Regional Junior High School.
•Town Hall will be closed on Monday, May 28 in observance of Memorial Day.
The Board of Selectmen will meet again on Tuesday, June 12 at Mattapoisett Town Hall. The meeting will begin at either 6:30 or 7:00 pm depending on the number of interested candidates for the Planning Board open seat.
By Katy Fitzpatrick