Monday night’s meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board began with Chairman Tyler Macallister praising the response not only from Mattapoisett’s first responders but for all the first responders who worked to extinguish the Mattapoisett Boatyard blaze on August 19.
“Police, fire, EMS all came together as one community,” he said. “Our hearts go out to the Kaisers and the injured employee. … From the town’s perspective, we will work to make them whole as soon as possible.” Macallister thanked the community at large for assisting. “Everyone did an amazing job.”
Moving on to other business, the Select Board discussed cost estimates received from Childs Engineering for repairs to the town historic Long Wharf. The board was alarmed that cost estimates now have reached more than $12,000,000, nearly double what had been expected just a few months ago. The board discussed types of construction methods and materials in an effort to find possible cost savings, but the members concurred that windward-facing walls of the wharf need materials stronger than concrete.
Member Jordan Collyer said of the updated cost estimate, “This is a far cry from six to eight million; we need to look at options.” However, Macallister commented that waiting would end up costing the town more. “I say … let’s go,” he said, adding that the use of concrete was just a band-aid.
Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said the cost estimate was a “worse-case scenario” but would discuss the board’s wishes with Childs. Macallister figures that, if costs could be settled upon, work might start in the fall of 2024. “We need to pull the trigger sooner rather than later,” he said. Collyer stated that the project would be the largest harborside construction the town has ever undertaken.
Mail-fraud issues were discussed on the heels of the recent arrest of two suspects for “mail fishing” crimes. Lorenco explained that outgoing mail from the box behind the post office was breached using simple materials to extract the mail; checks were then altered by “a very sophisticated group and passed off for cash.” He said anyone who had used that exposed mailbox to mail checks should carefully review his or her accounts and report suspicious activity to their bank and the police.
The Mattapoisett Land Trust sought and received permission from the board to apply for a grant to secure acreage near Meadow Brook Lane. The Buzzards Bay Coalition will be the holder of a planned conservation restriction; it was noted by Mike Huguenin, MLT president.
A boat parade organized by the Mattapoisett Yacht Club will take place on Sunday, August 28, at 5:00 pm in Mattapoisett’s outer harbor to raise donations to GoFundMe accounts for injured MBY employee Phil Macomber.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Monday, September 19, at a time to be determined.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell