On January 14, immediately at the commencement of the Select Board meeting, member Jordan Collyer asked to make a public statement. Speaking from prepared notes, Collyer said he wanted to dispel rumors regarding whether or not he’d be running again in the upcoming spring elections. He confided to the public that he was a recovering alcoholic and that earlier statements he may have made regarding not seeking reelection was probably frustration fueled by alcohol. Now, after a year of sobriety and being supported by many townspeople, he said he wanted to continue serving the community. Collyer thanked family, friends, and others for their support. Collyer has been a Select Board member for 21 years.
Returning to the agenda, the board met with the town’s engineering consultants VHB regarding the village roads reconstruction project. Coming to the conference table was VHB’s Greg Russell and arborist Paul Sellars. For an hour, the consultants provided details highlighting the condition of trees along the Main Street, Water Street, Beacon Street corridor. Each tree was given a thorough investigation and graded as to the expected lifespan and current condition. Many of the trees evidenced severe soil compaction from foot traffic and root fungus. Many of the trees in question have burst up and over existing curbs with possibly compromised root systems. Sellars also commented that the trees lack critical root zones.
The consulting firm also studied whether or not placing utilities underground was a viable option. Given that gas, water, and electrical equipment needed sufficient spacing, the likelihood of placing those systems underground seemed dim.
On the topic of rerouting some village streets to one-way use only was reviewed but did not impact the number of trees that will need to be removed. However, it would allow for a modest increase in the number of parking places along Water Street.
Town administrator Mike Lorenco said that the road project will also include the replacement of fresh water systems. He said the plan is to use state and federal grant funding. All in at this point, Lorenco said the road project is now estimated at $17,000,000 before adding in any contribution the town may have to fund for upgrades to the public water system.
The project remains at 25-percent design completion. A public meeting will be planned for the spring to continue hearing from the public and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the funding source.
Collyer asked that the board meet for a working session to ensure all aspects of the project have been fully vetted to their satisfaction, “I want an entire meeting to discuss what was presented tonight.” All were in agreement. The project remains on the TIP schedule with a project construction start of 2028.
Earlier in the evening, the board met with two candidates for the position of building department director. Coming before the board were William McGrady and Brandon Moroney. McGrady listed among his accomplishments being a certified building inspector and educator, knowledge of FEMA regulations, and a desire to assist the public. Moroney said he has always worked in the building trades and works part-time as an inspector in Lakeville and Raynham. As the meeting drew to a close, the board voted to offer the position to McGrady.
Other action taken by the board on this night were the appointment of Nancy Duff to the Old Colony School Committee and the appointment of Mike Hickey to the Capital Planning Committee.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board to be announced.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell