Mattapoisett Select Board — August 11, 2026

The Mattapoisett Select Board met on August 11, 2026, handling several administrative items, public presentations, and policy reviews. The board approved the meeting minutes from July 14, 2026, and signed the election warrant for the Massachusetts state primary scheduled for September 1, 2026, with early voting beginning August 22 at Town Hall. Jim Middleton of Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity presented a proposal regarding a town-owned parcel at 0 North Street, requesting the town conduct title research and a perk test to assess the site's feasibility for an affordable single-family home. The board expressed support and instructed town administration to obtain cost estimates for the perk test and outline the RFP process for the next meeting.

The board formally adopted a new public road layout policy and procedure following reviews by the Planning Board and Town Counsel, incorporating legal comments and requiring 100 percent of abutting property owners to consent. Local resident and veteran committee representative Rick Hanks addressed the board on several matters, including a recap of National Purple Heart Day on August 7, preparations for a Revolutionary War memorial ceremony on September 19 at Hammond Cemetery featuring guest speaker Congressman Bill Keating, and plans for a memorial brick walkway at Shipyard Park. Hanks also aired frustrations regarding persistent drainage issues, invasive knotweed, and permitting delays and fees involving the Conservation Commission.

Town announcements highlighted an upcoming public hearing on August 17 for the Cottage Community Development bylaw and an open recruitment for five community liaisons for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness 2.0 grant project. At the conclusion of open business, the board voted by roll call to enter executive session pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(2) to conduct contract strategy sessions regarding the fire chief and full-time firefighters.

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