During the June 11 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board, Andrew Nilson of Child Engineering gave a status update for the Long Wharf reconstruction project.
Nilson said the project will be at 35% design in mid-July and that at-100% cost estimation for construction would be available. No date was given for that milestone.
In describing construction materials and methods, Nilson said that sheet piles would be used like a coffer dam, while concrete repairs and granite stone placement takes place. There was discussion regarding the height of the parking and wharf upon completion with well known concerns of tides overtopping the wharf area noted again.
A long-anticipated agreement between the towns of Acushnet and Mattapoisett for a 50/50 split of costs associated with the hiring of a shared town planner was voted into action by the Select Board. The employment opportunity was posted to the town’s website on June 11.
The board also discussed a draft “charge” for a newly established advisory board to assist the town with matters related to the village street reconstruction project. When asked by Mike Rosa if the new committee would be advisory only, Chairman Jordan Collyer said yes, but that discussion between the design engineer and committee members must not reach a point where “the engineer says they are driving me crazy.”
Town Administrator Mike Lorenco shared a draft of the charge that may be used in setting the new committee’s responsibilities. One that will most likely be included is a monthly progress report.
When Collyer was asked if an electronic copy of the charge could be shared with the public, he replied, “No.” He said the language was not fully vetted at this time. However, a copy of the draft was displayed in the meeting room and on the meeting’s Zoom transmission. He added that a copy of the draft would be made available to the public if anyone wished to come into Town Hall and see it.
Tree Committee Chairman Sandra Hering stated that that committee wanted a number of its members to also be appointed to the reconstruction committee.
Lorenco said there has been eight interested parties for a seat on the reconstruction committee, a 1.4-mile project now slated for TIP funding in 2028.
Before adjourning for the evening, the Select Board moved and approved giving Lorenco appointing authority. Collyer said it would save time and expedite employee placements such as police.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not scheduled upon adjournment.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell