The February 5 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board found architect Stephen Kelleher and Highway Surveyor Garrett Bauer getting what they have long striven to receive – approval to move forward with Phase 1 planning for the highway barn renovations.
As noted in the approved architectural agreement, the scope of Kelleher’s work on various phases includes adding an additional garage storage area of 1,600 square feet, interior alterations, sound insulation, and an HVAC system in the remodeled office/breakroom spaces. There is also planned drainage for some flooring areas, and 14×14-foot overhead doors.
Further noted is that the total project will be performed in three phases with Phase 1 including floor drains and exhaust remediation. Phase 2 includes interior remodeling, new office, new breakroom and new handicapped-accessible toilet room. Phase 3 scope of work plans for a 2,040 square-foot addition.
Town Administrator Mike Lorenco stated in a follow-up that the total cost for the entire three-phase construction project is $3,300,000 but may change over time. Kelleher’s fee is pegged at $28,535 for Phase 1.
Jumping topics in the agenda, the board announced the selection of Kevin Greiner as the new building commissioner. Greiner is currently the building inspector for the Town of Easton.
Back to budgets: Mattapoisett Police Chief Jason King presented a nearly level FY25 budget with wages in the draft coming in at $2,500,000 and ambulance wages at $409,000.
In his narrative, King noted that in 2023 the Mattapoisett Police Department responded to 8,174 calls for service and 871 calls for the ambulance service. He said that no new cruisers are needed in the next fiscal cycle but that the FY26 Capital Expense plan requests two cruisers at an estimated $65,000 each. Also listed on the Capital Plan for the Police Department is $310,000 for a solar-voltaic charging station in FY27 and $50,000 to repoint the station.
Fire Chief Andrew Murray also came before the Select Board with the department’s draft budget. Wages listed are $770,425 with another $190,600 for various equipment.
Harbormaster Isaac Perry came before the board with no surprises. He did share that recent flooding has damaged electrical systems on Long and Middle wharves, which will be repaired before the boating season begins. Cost estimates were not offered.
Wages for the Enterprise Fund will total $157,500.
Perry said that motors for the pump-out boat need replacement and are listed as capital expenses amounting to approximately an $18,000 grant from Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries. Beginning in the fall, Perry said docks and floats will need replacement.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is planned for Monday, February 12, at 5:30 pm.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell