The Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen reopened their December 15 license hearing for the Hillside Motel during their January 12 meeting.
“You’ve been very busy making improvements and fixing things,” stated Selectmen Chairman Jordan Collyer as he welcomed motel owner Sonya Patel to the conference table.
At the December hearing, numerous deficiencies were reported to the board by the police, fire, and building departments. On this night, each department head spoke of Patel’s accomplishments in cleaning up the Hillside Motel.
Police Chief Mary Lyons said, “We’ve had four calls since the last meeting.” She said most of those calls concerned one single guest who has since been removed from the property. Patel is also providing the police department with photocopies of identification for all new guests.
Fire Chief Andrew Murray reported that he was satisfied with the fire alarm repairs and replacements, and noted that all previous safety concerns had been fixed. Patel also said that she has employed a contractor to maintain the fire alarms.
Director of Inspectional Services Andy Bobola stated, “All violations from the December report have been corrected.” He added, “The Patels have been forthcoming and cooperative.”
He said Patel plans to repair the parking lot in the spring, at which time all issues he had previously reported will be resolved.
Board of Health Agent Dale Barrows, in a written note to Town Administration Michael Gagne, wrote, “…The state sanitary code allows 60 days for problems to be corrected … I will check in February…”
Collyer asked the town officials if they were satisfied with the general cleanliness of the rooms and the property. All acknowledged good improvements.
Collyer told Patel, “By instituting these programs, word will get out fast that you’ve changed the business model.” He repeated, “I’m pleased to see what’s come out of this.”
Rather than vote to approve a full-year license, the selectmen voted to grant a 120-day permit with a review at the end of May to ensure that improvements and changes in the way the motel is being operated continue on the right course.
Collyer had one final comment for Patel: “We’ll be checking up on you.”
Earlier in the evening, a joyous group, the six-members of the Vieira family, came into the meeting so that Victor and Donna Vieira could be recognized by the selectmen for their courageousness and open arms in adopting four children in 2015.
“This is humanity at its best,” said Collyer. “People should see that people like you do exist!” With everyone smiling, Collyer said, “Thank you for what you do.”
Also being recognized was Henri Renauld, the newly promoted Water and Sewer Superintendent. Renauld has been a member of the department for 27 years.
A hearing with Eversouce was continued until January 26. The utility, represented by Eversource staff member Donna Rosa, was asked to return with a better solution and more technical information for stub poles they propose to install on River Road at the junction of Randall Road. These stabilizing poles, along with utility pole replacements along River Road, are planned to accommodate system upgrades needed to support the new solar array planned for Crystal Spring Road.
Gagne reported that review of the town’s $20 million budget has begun in preparation for the May 9 Annual Town Meeting. The selectmen asked Gagne to set up appointments with all department heads so they may vet each budget fully in advance of the warrant.
In other matters, Gagne said any snow bans ordered by the state or by the town will be announced on all available venues such as TV, radio, Facebook, and the town’s website.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for January 26 at 7:00 pm in the Mattapoisett Town Hall conference room.
By Marilou Newell
