Isaac Perry, Mattapoisett’s newly appointed Marine Resource Officer, was officially introduced to the town at the July 11 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board.
Doing the introductory honors was Police Chief Justin King, who said Perry came highly qualified, had been a police officer in the towns of Marion and Rochester, a shellfish officer in Dartmouth and a graduate of Mass Maritime Academy.
Perry said that he was impressed by the work ethic of all town employees he has met thus far and how helpful everyone has been. He said he is learning the “pace of the harbor” and is excited to be in Mattapoisett. Perry is a resident of Rochester.
The board took up the issue of dogs in Shipyard Park. Although there has been a local bylaw on the books for many years banning dogs from the historic park, it was agreed that new signage might help to drive home the point. However, the board also concluded that signs alone will not stop violators.
Board members Jodi Bauer and Jordan Collyer harkened back to the days when a “matron” patrolled the town beach and Shipyard Park, ensuring that rules were being obeyed. “She was scary,” chuckled Bauer.
But the issue is a serious one. The board agreed that enforcement of the bylaw is needed as well as new signage. Town Administrator Mike Lorenco will work with Perry and Animal Control to develop a plan for patrolling of the park.
Presently, the fine for having one’s dog in a restricted area or not picking up after a dog is $10 but can reach as much as $500 for repeat offenders.
Lorenco reported that a contract for the development of a new website would cost approximately $30,000, and an annual maintenance fee would be added. After some discussion, it was determined that a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be posted for website development, possibly adding features currently unavailable.
They said that the online permitting feature that the town was supposed to have from the current provider of 17 years has never operated properly. After further discussion, the board decided to ask the public what features they would like to have available when using the town’s website. More to follow on this topic at next Select Board meeting.
Mattapoisett’s public beaches were closed earlier in the day when water testing proved bacteria levels were high. Member Tyler Macallister said that heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding in other parts of the state are impacting local waters, “…up and down the coast.” Beaches have been closed, he said.
Lorenco added that the town does not usually need to close its beaches, but heavy rains are the issue. Lorenco advised the public to check the town’s website and Facebook page for updated information. He said testing would continue Wednesday, July 12.
Lorenco also reported that in about six weeks, VHB, the town’s engineering consultant for the Village Streets Improvement project, would be holding a public meeting to roll out the latest plan. He also said the town would be meeting with MassDOT to discuss the Route 6 corridor and possible changes to that heavily traveled state roadway.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not scheduled upon adjournment.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell