During the November 10 meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen, the board discussed with Town Administrator Mike Lorenco grant opportunities. The catch: the 25-percent matching funds needed to secure most government grants.
A Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management grant for as much as $75,000 could be used for improvements and repairs to a culvert along Mattapoisett Neck Road. Highway Surveyor Barry Denham said that a 1960s-era culvert may not have been designed to the standards now in place and is likely insufficient for saltwater tidal action to the marshlands.
“On the west side, there are big holes,” Denham said, adding that the concrete was beginning to fail. He expressed concern that the culvert’s failure would be problematic for the people living in the Neck area. The roadway is the only way in and out of the beach neighborhood.
Denham also asked the board if he could move forward on an application for a $300,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation that did not require matching funds. “We’d be crazy not to,” chuckled Selectman Paul Silva. Denham said those funds could be used to construct sidewalks from the bike path to Route 6 along Mattapoisett Neck Road.
Lorenco said he was also looking into the current owner of the quarry property once heavily sought after by the Mattapoisett Land Trust. The board agreed that reaching an agreement with the owners regarding the viability of putting a small parking area there would help keep bike path users from parking dangerously along Mattapoisett Neck Road. Silva said, “It’s a natural spot to have parking for the bike path.” The property in question is located at the corner of Mattapoisett Neck Road, Route 6, and abutting conservation lands.
A $100,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant offered by FEMA was also discussed and had been suggested by Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray, Lorenco said. There was some discussion that equipment listed on the Capital Planning schedule for future years could be paid for now with FEMA funding, but coming up with the 25 percent match was required for grants ranging around $100,000.
Grants from various sources were noted for work needed at the town’s historic wharves. However, the board agreed that dredging work previously requested and approved at Town Meeting could go forward for an estimated cost of $30,000. Work needed on Long Wharf could be paid in part by a $54,000 grant, but all grants created more questions than answers for the board members.
Lorenco suggested a group meeting that would bring together members of the Capital Planning and Finance Committee with the selectmen. Also invited to the meeting would be department heads seeking grants. The selectmen agreed. The matching funds that will be discussed include $24,990 for the CZM grant and $40,756 for the AFG grant. Harborside grants will also be discussed at the meeting.
In other matters, Lorenco brought the board up to date on the current state of COVID-19 regulations and how the town has responded to new restrictions ordered by Governor Charlie Baker. He said updated restrictions require masks be worn inside and outside regardless of social distancing and that a stay-at-home advisory had been issued between the hours of 10:00 pm and 5:00 am unless an individual is working. He went on to say that restaurants were required to stop seating people at 9:30 pm. A $300 fine will be imposed on violators, he said. Lorenco said a letter had been sent to all businesses listing the restrictions. When asked how enforcement of penalties would be handled, Silva responded, “That’s a good question. We don’t know yet.”
Town Hall access is now by appointment only, Lorenco said, but if people need assistance, someone would answer the door to try and provide help. He encouraged the public to call and to use the drop-off box on the side of the building.
Lorenco said that gatherings indoors were restricted to 10 people and 25 if events are held outdoors. There is a $500 fine for violations.
With the holidays right around the corner, it was decided that tree decorations and lighting at Shipyard Park will not include an invitation for public participation. Nor would an informal Veterans Day gathering planned to commemorate American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280 retired Commander Mike Lamoureux include the general public, Lorenco said. Denham said that Lamoureux had been serving veterans in the area for over 35 years.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for November 24 at 6:30 pm.
Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen
By Marilou Newell