Monday night’s meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board featured a light agenda that was breezily handled in approximately 25 minutes.
Town Clerk Catherine Heuberger met with the board seeking approval that would grant the police chief authority to select which patrol officers would be deployed for poll duty during the State Primary to be held on Tuesday, September 6, at Old Hammondtown School.
State law indicates that selection is made by the Select Board. By granting that authority to the chief of police, the selection would belong to Jason King. The board voted to give authority to the police chief. Also regarding the primary, the board members signed the Warrant for the 2022 State Primary.
Heuberger then discussed early voting, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 27, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Monday through Friday, August 29 through September 2, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Voters who selected mail-in ballots will not be allowed to change their voting option at the polls, she said.
Two cycling-related events were discussed. The board approved the use of the town’s bike path and the placement of an information table at the intersection of Brandt Island Road by the Pedal for the Path group on Sunday, September 11. The group seeks support of bike paths in the south-coast region and will be distributing bike safety and bikeway information. The group will also post volunteers at the intersections of Mattapoisett Neck and Brandt Island roads to ensure cyclists dismount before crossing those roadways.
The board also approved the use of the Town Wharfs as a rest stop on Sunday, September 18, for the Cranberry Harvest Ride. The group has met with the town’s safety officer, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said.
A request from James Waterson for permission to use 10 parking spaces at the Town Beach for a 2:00 pm memorial service and reception on Sunday, August 14, was approved.
Appointments to the Cultural Council made on this night were, Patricia Apperson, Janet Coquillette, Kimberly Ray and James Rottler.
The board also appointed Giovanni Rodriquez as a civilian paramedic. It was noted that Rodriquez is a certified national paramedic and was previously on the Mattapoisett Police Department.
Lorenco reported that the Division of Marine Fisheries’ latest data on PSP (paralytic shellfish poisoning) results show no detection in oysters and quahogs.
Lorenco also briefly touched on working with Eversource regarding scheduling of Village Streets gas-line upgrades. He said the overall Village Streets construction plan includes this utility completing their portion in advance of others and that replacement of gas lines would include all of Ned’s Point Road. “Time frame is critical,” he said. All agreed work should not take place during the boating season.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Monday, August 22, at a time to be announced.
Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen
By Marilou Newell