The July 9 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was a bit bumpy, as discussion resumed in the matter of selecting residents to be seated on the new village roadway committee.
When the agenda item was heard, Select Board member Jodi Bauer said that no more than three people should be appointed to the advisory committee, while member Jordan Collyer said he would agree to five.
Member Tyler Macallister stated, “Forming this committee is a mistake.” He voiced his opinion that Mattapoisett may forfeit TIP monies by trying to control the project versus letting the state Department of Transportation do the job.
Collyer and Bauer both stuck to their decision regarding the number of committee members, deciding instead to think on the matter further in an effort to reach a consensus, thus tabling the matter until the next Select Board meeting on July 23.
Also speaking to the need for consensus was Bonne DaSousa, who defended the need for a roadway committee, saying it could help the town reach a consensus regarding various aspects of the proposed project.
Tree Committee Chairman Sandy Hering said that she has learned just how much latitude the DOT had sufficient to, “…making a project that suits towns.” She stated that by showing the state agency the town has achieved a consensus, it would demonstrate, “…we want this project.”
Other agenda items were heard before discussions once again returned to the village roads project.
DaSousa questioned cost estimates for the placement of utilities underground. A survey intended to gather village residents’ appetite for a betterment of upwards of $50,000 had been mailed to property owners in the village. DaSousa, who was admittedly surprised to receive the survey, sought clarification of how the estimates were calculated and what data had been used.
Macallister responded that DaSousa should not be surprised to have received the survey since it was what was requested by those supporting underground services. He explained that cost estimates were based on a project currently being installed and familiar to the town’s engineers, VHB. He also said that VHB’s figures were verified by Eversource and Verizon. He further stated that easements would have to be granted by property owners impacted by moving utilities underground and that, “… they don’t want to do that.”
In other matters, the Select Board will hold a public hearing for the placement of “No Parking” signs on Mattapoisett Neck Road near the entrance to the bike path. Other bike-path news shared by Town Administrator Mike Lorenco was that the 25% design on phase 2A is nearly complete.
Lorenco also reported that a parking area off Mattapoisett Neck Road is being planned with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Bauer announced her resignation from the Mattapoisett Tree Committee after more than 20 years. She was thanked for her years of service. A refreshed Commission on Disability was formed and appointments made.
Lorenco said there are still open seats on several committees, most notably the Finance Committee. Interested parties should contact the Select Board’s office.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23 (time to be announced).
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell