Westport in Brief!

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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

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Quick Article Index . . .

 

Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting Agenda Monday - June 17, 2013.

 

Westport Rivers Vineyard Sunset Music Series kicks off this Friday June 21st.

 

The second annual WRWA River Day, revived after being suspended for several years, will be Saturday, June 22nd.

 

Young People's Art Classes at the Westport Grange start Thursday, June 27th.

 

Paddle the Region’s Most Scenic Waterways this summer with The Trustees of Reservations.

 

FWCOA sends out annual appeal for membership.

 

Board of Selectmen  Regular Meeting  Agenda  Monday - June 17, 2013

Selectmen’s meet tonight, with executive session to follow. FY 2014 annual appointments will be made tonight starting at 8:30 p.m. during the public meeting.

EverythingWestport.com

Monday, June 17, 2013

 

Board of Selectmen  Regular Meeting  Agenda  Monday - June 17, 2013

6:00 PM Eagle Scout Award - Benjamin C. Brayton.

 

6:00 PM  Public Hearing - RE:  An application request of Westport Rivers, Inc., 417 Hix Bridge Road, Westport, MA – Robert Russell, Manager for an All Alcohol Pouring Permit   License.

 

6:15 PM  Public Hearing – RE: An application request of Buzzards Bay Brewing, 218 Horseneck  Road, Westport, MA – Robert Russell, Manager for an Alcohol Pouring Permit License.

 

6:30 PM  Public Hearing – RE: An application request of Edward and Robin Hart,108 Snyder Road, Somerset, MA for the transfer of a six-month seasonal trailer permit for  recreational purposes to locate a trailer on 42 West Beach Road.  The property is known on Assessor’s Map 76A, Lot 142.

 

6:45 PM  Affordable Housing Trust – RE: Noquochoke Village P&S and LDA; and Amendment to the Mass Development Loan for the Quinn Property.

 

7:00 PM  Planning Board – RE: Appointment of Recording Clerk, Joan Steadman &      Town Planner II, Lucy Tabit.

 

7:15 PM  Chris Gonsalves, Highway Department – RE: Request to lift hiring freeze and  appointment of new hire, Paul Lourenco.

 

7:30 PM  Council on Aging – RE:  COA Director Interviews and Appointment.

 

7:45 PM  Discussion – RE:  Visit to Freetown for related water treatment for Fall River water and Westport’s interest in water quality (THM count) coming into Westport.

 

7:50 PM  Discussion – RE: Status of Public Water Supply Contract with Fall River.

 

7:55 PM  Discussion – RE: South Watuppa Pond water levels.

 

8:00 PM  Discussion – RE:  Approval of Sam Tripp Brook Stormwater Remediation Proposal Grant application.

 

8:15 PM  Steve Lombard, Business Manager – RE: Update on Purchase Orders and Computer System Update and consider appointment of IT Committee.

 

8:30 PM  Annual Appointments

 

Action Items

1.  Request for authorization for Fire Department surplus equipment swap with Town of Dartmouth.

 

2.  Retain / Return – Articles.

 

3.  Approval of End of the Year Transfers.    

 

4.  Approval of One Day Liquor Licenses for Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, Buzzards

     Bay Brewing, Coastal Wine Group and Westport Land Conservation Trust, Inc

 

5.  Requests to carry over vacation time – Sharon Potter and Kathy DeNadal, Assessors’ 

 

     Office and Ralph Souza, Building Dept.

 

6.  Approval of DoD Firefighting Program Cooperative Agreement and Federal Excess 

 

     Personal Property Cooperative Agreement.

 

7.  Discussion regarding Human Resources responsibilities for Non-Union positions.        

 

8.  Approval of Forest Stewardship reimbursement application.

 

9.  Approval of agreements for Operator Services for the Town Hall, Town Hall Annex and Town of Westport Public Water Supply –

    Linda Correia. 

 

10. Discussion – Marker placement in Beech Grove Veterans’ section for Leo St. Onge.

 

11. Approval of a Common Victualler License for Main Street Cafe & Bakery.       

 

Minutes - Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of April 4 & 22, 2013 and Regular Meeting Minutes of May 13, 2013.

 

Question and Answer Period 

 

Town Administrator’s Report          

Sam Tripp Brook Stormwater Management Project. Tony, Richard and I met with Joe Costa and his staff at BBNEP and a CZM and WRWA staff member to evaluate five engineering proposals to develop plans to treat stormwater runoff from Drift Road Sam Tripp Brook.  The Town received a $20,000.00 grant for this purpose.  The evaluation process was very interesting and resulted in the choice of Polaris Engineering for the project.  

 

Tony, Richard and I believe that a successful project depends on securing an easement to utilize land of  private owners abutting the property, and I have been given the task of following up with landowners to see if we can find one or more that would be willing to donate land for this purpose.  The Board should consider a vote to move forward with the project.  Once completed, other grant funds        will be sought to construct the project.  The Town share (for example, 25% of a 319 Stormwater Grants secured) could be in-kind services, such as the Highway Department men and machines, my time and WRWA time.  Attached is a plan of the area involved.

 

Highway Department Staffing The 7:15 PM Agenda Item deals with Highway Department Staffing, and I have submitted a separate memo to you on this.

 

Fall River Water Contract / Visit to Freetown

A visit was conducted to view the Treatment System and discuss Trihalomethane treatment issues.  Tony Vieira, Jim Walsh and I met with Mike Pillarella, Chairman of the Freetown Water Commission and Kevin Desmarais, the Water Mechanic. 

 

Freetown has been dealing with Trihalomethanes issues for five years and spent a lot of money over that time period doing so.  They have about 400 billed customers in Assonet Village, using Fall River water, and 200 customers in E. Freetown using New Bedford water. (New Bedford uses ammonia in their treatment process and has no Trihalomethane problem as a result).  They suggested that we explore aeration rather than activated carbon as treatment system. They also suggested we speak with Ryan Trahan of Environmental Partners and consider them as our water engineers.  I’ve called Ryan and left a message for him to call.  We need to report to the DEP by the end of the month, and I am off from June 20th to July 7th.  I have arranged to meet with Ryan Trahan of Environmental Partners on Tuesday, June 18th at 8:30 AM.  We may, depending on that interview, ask him to send us a proposed agreement to serve as the Town’s  Water Engineer.  We can then report to the DEP on our actions to date as well as the test results (see   attached) when Linda Correia submits her report at the end of the month.

 

Annual Report on Health Insurance Costs

George Foster has prepared the attached report required under 801 C MR52.07 and

requests the Board’s  approval to submit it.  Please review it and be prepared to vote to authorize it to be submitted by the Treasurer.

 

Massachusetts Development Loan Agreement Amendment

You may recall that, as part of the cleanup of the Perry and Quinn properties, the

Town entered into a Loan Agreement with Massachusetts Development for $200,000.  to pay for the cleanup of the site.  We  are in the final phase of the cleanup and need another $6,500. to complete the work prior to the sale of the land to the Community Builders (TCB) who will construct the Noquochoke Village (see agenda item at 6:45 PM).  Under

the terms of the loan, the loan is payable if the Town sells the property.  Under the Purchase and Sales Agreement with TCB, TCB will pay the loan off at the closing, in the full amount, including the Amendment of $ 206,500.  Because we have not submitted

the Amendment to you earlier, you may want it to be put back on for the June 24th meeting for you to sign at that time.

 

East Beach Road Update

Attached you will find a memo from TEC’s Susan Spratt on East Beach Road.

“Modified Reclaimed Pavement Borrow” is a material that, if disturbed, could be re-worked and replaced, as opposed to asphalt pavement which cannot. Please vote to authorize the Engineer to put the job out to bid so that we can move forward with the project this Fall.

 

In a related matter, Brian Beaulieu, at my request, has contacted Mr. Carmichael and he has agreed to extend the deadline for FEMA funding.  I have attached a copy of the application for extension for your information and review.

 

End of Report.                                                                                         

 

Correspondence – Action Required

 

A request was received from SRTA for a representative to the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board.

 

A request was received from the Westport Holy Ghost Club for the refund or future application of the One-Day Liquor License fee due to the venue being moved.

 

A request was received from the Republican Town Committee for appointment of Permanent Poll Workers.

 

A request was received from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for their Bike MS 150-Mile Charity bike ride.  Police recommendation attached.

 

A request was received from Buzzards Bay Coalition to replace old signs at waterfront locations around Town regarding the water quality at no cost to the Town.

 

Board Members suggestion of items for future agenda discussion/action.              

 

Executive session.

Executive Session pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21 to hear a grievance – Council on Aging; to discuss/consider Agreement for Drinking Water services with City of Fall River; update on School Labor Contract Negotiations; and to approve Executive Session Minutes of May 6, 13 & 16, 2013.

 

 

 

Westport Rivers Vineyard Sunset Music Series kicks off this Friday June 21st.

EverythingWestport.com

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

 

Sunset Music Series will run through Saturday September 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. the winery will feature live entertainment as the sun sets over their picturesque vineyard grounds. It's a picnic style event, and attendees may bring their own food and Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms will be onsite with a cash raw bar. Don't forget a blanket, chairs, bug spray, glasses and a cork screw.

 

Admission is $10 per carload and beer, wine and SoCo local food will be served for a fee. No Alcohol May Be Brought To The Event.

 

This Friday the amazing musicians, Thom Hiller and Jeff Gobush, kick things off.

 

The early weather forecast for our kickoff show looks great but Sunset is weather permitting. We typically make a decision at 2pm day of show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The entertainment schedule for the summer is as follows:

 

 

June 21 - Thom Hiller and Jeff Gobush

June 28 - MRL

July 5 - Red Eye Flight Band

July 12 - Rebecca Correia

July 19 - Blues Train

July 26 - Kenny Richards

August 2 - Putnam Murdock

August 9 - Wind Up Bill

 

August 16Toph and Tom

August 23 - Arc Iris

**New Show! August 24 – Wind Up Bill

August 30 - Neal McCarthy/Michael Lavoie

**New Show! August 31 – Chris Richards Trio

 **Saturday September 7 - Rhodi Hendrix

 **Saturday September 14 - One Bad Ant

 

**Special Saturday shows begin at 5 p.m. All other shows are Friday at 6 p.m.

 

Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery, 417 Hix Bridge Road Westport MA. For more information please call 508.636.3423 Extension 2. It's always best to email any questions to: vip@westportrivers.com.

 

 

 

The second annual WRWA River Day, revived after being suspended for several years, will be Saturday, June 22nd.

There will be activities and events for all ages both on and off the water.

EverythingWestport.com

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Click here to view the hi-resolution photo album from River Day 2012 Need Adobe Flash? Click here!  Get Adobe Flash Player

 

YouTube video of River Day 2012. you_tube_logo.jpg Click here to view video now.

 

Click here to read article and photos from River day 2012!

 

The Westport River Watershed Alliance hosts its annual River Day festival, a free family-fun day that celebrates the Westport River watershed, this Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Head of Westport. There will be activities and events for all ages both on and off the water.

 

Kicking off the day on-stage will be the Westport High School Jazz/Rock Ensemble. At 11 a.m., a live raptor show will take place, followed by poster awards at noon.

 

The Spindle  Rock River Rats bluegrass band will perform, followed by The Basics, six musicians playing rock n’ roll from the 60′s, 70′s, and 80′s.

 

Ongoing activities include  fish t-shirt printing, face painting, small boat building, mural painting, stilt building, and food.

 

Of special interest will be Native American storytelling, a touch tank of living river creatures, a working river skiff, and walking tours of the Head of Westport neighborhood.

 

Those who wish to paddle to River Day the 3.5 miles from the Hix Bridge Landing must register with WRWA. Paddlers receive a free tee shirt and free lunch. Pre-registration is available online at www.westportwatershed.org  or by calling the office at 508.636.3016. For an additional late fee, paddlers can register the morning of the paddle beginning at 9 a.m.

 

Joining the festivities will be many exhibitors:  Mass. Audubon’s Allens  Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, Buzzards Bay Coalition, The Trustees for Reservations, the Westport Land Conservation Trust, Westport Fishermen’s Association, Westport Art Group, Westport  Historical Society, The Lloyd Center, South Coast Energy  Challenge, Westport education Foundation, Refried Tees, the Worm Ladies, Healthtrax Fitness and Wellness, Green Fortress Building, and  more.

 

 

Above left: Donna Mitchell, on-stage with Native American Spoken Word using poetry and story.  Right: Roger and Gail Greene of Little Compton dance to the music of the Spindle Rock River Rats.

 

WRWA is grateful to the over 60 business sponsors and the Westport and the Westport Cultural Council grant from the Helen Ellis Trust who make River Day possible.  River Day will be held rain or shine. For more information visit www.westportwatershed.org.

 

 

 

Young People's Art Classes at the Westport Grange start Thursday, June 27th.

EverythingWestport.com

Thursday, June 20, 2013

 

Art educator Gail Denardo will teach a 4 week session starting Thursday, June 27 for ages 6 and up on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 12 Noon at the Grange hall, 941 Main Road Westport.

 

Gail graduated from SMU with a degree in fine arts, and worked in the field of interior design for many years. For questions and to register call 508.636.6874. All supplies are included in the $175 fee.

 

Students will work with a variety of mediums and techniques to explore their creativity and be introduced to the elements of design. The lessons will also include studying the works of artists such as Monet and Van Gogh; allowing the artists' works to inspire the child's individual style.

 

Projects will be based on drawing, painting and sculpture allowing the students to have the opportunity to create work in realistic and expressionist styles.

 

 

 

Paddle the Region’s Most Scenic Waterways with The Trustees of Reservations. This summer The Trustees of Reservations will offer guided kayak trips on some of the South Coast’s most scenic waterways.

EverythingWestport.com

Friday, June 21, 2013

 

This summer The Trustees of Reservations will offer monthly, guided kayak trips on some of the South Coast’s most scenic waterways.

 

These trips will introduce novice and experienced paddlers alike to the beauty of our local rivers and bays while, at the same time, exploring some of our region’s most spectacular protected open space. Each month a different kayak trip will be offered to a waterfront property of The Trustees of Reservations.

 

The cost of the trips is $30 for Trustees’ members and $40 for nonmembers. Kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets are provided. Space is limited so pre-registration is required. To sign-up visit “Things to Do” at www.thetrustees.org, call 508.636.4693 ext. 103, or email lharrington@ttor.org. Below is the complete kayak schedule for 2013.

 

Trustees of Reservations Kayak Tours 2013

Kayak Little River, Saturday, June 29 | 9am–12noon

Paddle through the hidden creeks and marshes along Dartmouth’s Little River that connect to the Trustees’ Cornell Farm and Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust’s Little River Reserve.

 

Kayak the West Branch, Saturday, July 13 | 9am–12noon

Experience the quiet side of the Westport River as we paddle the West Branch between Westport Harbor and Adamsville, stopping to tour Great Island, the largest island in the West Branch, and enjoy the more than 3 miles of shoreline protected by the Westport Land Conservation Trust and The Trustees of Reservations.

 

Kayak the East Branch, Saturday, August 3 | 9am–12noon

Join The Trustees and the Westport Land Conservation Trust to paddle the East Branch and get a water view of the many protected parcels along the river including scenic Westport Town Farm.

 

Kayak Buttermilk Bay, Saturday, August 24 | 12noon–2pm

Explore the Lyman Reserve in Buzzards Bay and the mouth of Red Brook from the water on a kayak tour of Buttermilk Bay.

 

Kayak Slocum’s River, Saturday, September 7 | 9am–12noon

From its headwaters at the millpond in Russell’s Mills Village, to its mouth at Demarest-Lloyd State Park, Slocum’s River in Dartmouth provides outstanding opportunities for exploring the natural history and ecology of the region. Join us for a relaxing paddle through the marshes and meadows, past the Slocum’s River Reserve to the beach.

 

Kayak Leonards Pond and the Sippican River, Saturday, October 12 | 10am–12pm

As the leaves begin to turn get out on the water and experience the scenic landscape and cranberry bogs around East Over Reservation on Leonards Pond and the upper Sippican River in Rochester.

 

 

 

FWCOA sends out annual appeal for membership.

EverythingWestport.com

Friday, June 21, 2013

 

The Friends of the Westport Council on Aging have mailed their annual appeal brochure to all Westport residents.

 

The Friends support the town's Senior Center by providing equipment, furnishings, computers and scholarships for the Senior Day program and workshops for Outreach workers and staff.  Each summer the FWCOA funds the August Annual Picnic for seniors and the Magnolia Concert for all members of the community.

 

“Thank you for your support.” Friends of the Council on Aging

 

The FWCOA seeks members of all ages to support its program for the Center. 

 

Individual dues are $10, family dues are $25, supporting $50-99, patron dues $100, benefactor $500 or more. The Friends hope that when the yellow brochure arrives in town mailboxes that Wesporters will read about all that the Friends have contributed to the Senior Center and will return the enclosed envelope with their dues.

 

 

 

Westport Woman’s Club announces Scholarship Recipients.

EverythingWestport.com

Sunday, June 23, 2013

 

 

The Westport Woman’s Club would like to announce their 2013 scholarship recipients. Congratulations to all!

 

The following Westport High School students were awarded scholarships:

 

Sean Silva, who received the Alice Baer Memorial Scholarship, Rachel Amorin, Robert Haines III, Tayla Rapoza, and Melanie Smeaton.

 

Cameron Olivier of Bishop Stang High school also received a scholarship, as did Susan Thurston, who received a scholarship to continue her studies.

 

Westport Woman’s Club wishes to thank Lees Market and Partners Village Store for allowing us to use their facilities to raise money for the scholarship program.

 

They are indeed Partners in Education.

 

Thank you.

 

 

 

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