Mattapoisett considers purchasing beach grooming equipment

MATTAPOISETT — The town is considering investing in new beach-cleaning equipment to increase efficiency and reduce the cost of labor. 

The Select Board discussed purchasing a beach groomer to replace the current front end loader and backhoe used to clean Aucoot Beach and Town Beach at its Tuesday, Aug. 25 meeting. 

Board member Frances-Feliz Kearns said some residents have been concerned by the amount of seaweed on the beaches, and asked the town to remove it more frequently. 

It currently takes the Highway Department a full day and half of its staff to clean each beach. While the department does regular maintenance at both beaches, crews sometimes need to visit the site with heavy equipment to remove a large quantity of seaweed. 

Highway Surveyor Garrett Bauer said in order to increase the frequency of cleanings, his department would need new equipment. While the machinery would be costly, he said the savings on labor costs could help offset it. 

“The cost of the equipment is close to the cost of what it takes us to maintain the beach with our current means and methods,” Bauer said. 

He said on average the department cleans the beaches twice a month during the summer, but it could be difficult to calculate a return on investment because the amount of seaweed each year is so unpredictable. 

Kearns said it is up to residents to decide if funds should be spent on new equipment, but the town should give them the option to approve it. 

“Folks are purchasing passes to be able to go to the beach, and they're doing so expecting some type of service,” she said. “We need to be very clear about what we provide, and then bring that proposal to the town, and then let them decide if they want to support it.”