Mattapoisett Town Administrator pushes for launch service, commuter transit
You have to hand it to Town Administrator Mike Gagne: The man likes to get things done.
His latest projects for the town? Getting ex-Department of Defense generators (used in the Middle East), getting a launch service at Barstow Wharf and helping the Council on Aging get a new 15-passenger vehicle.
And don’t forget about his spearheading plans to get regional shuttle service to the Lakeville commuter rail station.
Gagne talked about all his projects at Tuesday night’s Board of Selectmen meeting.
He said equipment is becoming available for auction through the Department of Defense, and he would like to purchase generators and possibly an inflatable boat for the town. The water and sewer department would benefit from the generators in times of hurricanes or power outages, he said.
The department currently leases generators when needed.
A rigid-hulled inflatable boat for the Harbormaster will also be be considered.
Gagne said that, last year, the town had considered sending out “requests for proposals” to start a summer launch service to boats moored in the harbor. Now, he said, it’s time to get the ball rolling again, especially with the creation of nearly 60 new moorings as a result of the Marine Advisory Board’s new Waterfront Management Plan.
“I’ve heard a lot of interest,” Gagne said. “I’d like to get these requests sent out as soon as possible.”
The board was supportive.
“I think the best place is off Barstow Wharf,” Selectman Jordan Collyer said. “That way we have parking. The town dock could be a secondary location.”
Gagne said the requests would be sent out by the first week of February.
Three years ago, Gagne started work on securing a grant for the Council on Aging to get a new vehicle. Now it’s a reality. Although the Council has been using an older vehicle from the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority for six months, it will be getting a 2011, 15-passenger, handicapped-accessible vehicle.
Gagne said the van is one of five that were available.
On the transportation note, Gagne said it was time to put a regional transit operation to commuter rail “on the front burner.”
He’s already garnered the support of Westport, Fairhaven, Freetown and Acushnet to have a ride from the various “Park & Ride” lots to the Lakeville station.
Gagne also said he would like to build weather enclosures at the lots once the system is used.
“People close by could ride their bikes and store them in the enclosure,” Gagne said. “If we do that, people wouldn’t have to touch a car to get to Boston.”