MATTAPOISETT — Following concerns raised by town officials over the mounting needs of the waterfront, Selectmen have asked the Marine Advisory Board to design an overarching plan with the Harbormaster Department to tackle the projects head on. 

During the Dec. 4 meeting, Selectmen Jordan Collyer said the board is interested in coordinating with the Harbormaster to identify repairs, projects, and areas of improvement such as increased work hours.

In the next few months, Collyer said, the Marine Advisory Board will return to the Selectmen with a 5-year plan and funding schedule for potential projects. 

“Now is the time to look at the waterfront totally before we start locking ourselves in when we have payments to make on a boat or any other major projects,” said Selectmen Paul Silva.

Silva, who first voiced concerns in October, said that developing a comprehensive plan for upcoming capital projects is an important step for the waterfront. 

“The money that comes from the voters, should go back to the voters and that’s what this is all about,” added Silva. 

Collyer suggested a number of projects to be slated for construction, including an overhaul of Long Wharf. In June, Mattapoisett was awarded a $160,000 grant (with a $60,000 match from the town) from the Boating Infrastructure Grant program for an pier extension to the wharf. 

The Selectmen have asked the Harbormaster, Jill Simmons, and the board to also determine if they offer competitive pay, as well as to consider offering extended summer hours. 

The Marine Advisory Board members told Selectmen that they would complete a study of the waterfront and the Harbormaster by March 1.