By Pattie Pacella, Neighb News Correspondent
At its meeting on Tuesday, 2/6, The Acushnet Selectboard heard from Paul Macaroco, the President of the Acushnet Youth Soccer Association. Mr. Macaroco asked for the Select-board’s support as the AYSA is speaking to the Acushnet School system to better the soccer fields that are located behind the schools. Mr. Macaroco stated they have applied for CPC funds and have received a commitment of $50,000 toward the new fields. He also stated that the AYSA has over 700 children in their association and it was time they look at building new soccer fields.
“This will benefit both the school and the kids, as we continue to draw in more kids,” Mr. Macaroco said.
Chairperson Kevin Gaspar stated it was a “phenomenal” thing that the AYSA was doing and he was happy to hear that the CPC granted the $50,000. Mr. Gaspar said he fully endorsed their idea.
Mr. Macaroco said that once they have a plan in place they would come back to the Selectboard for future backing of the project. All three Selectboard members agreed they would fully back the plan and that the schools need good soccer playing fields.
Melanson Heath auditors were also at the meeting where they gave a presentation on the final audit for 2017. CPA Managing Principal, Frank Biron, gave an overview of the audit. He stated that the Town of Acushnet does a great job collecting real estate taxes either through liened or current payments.
Mr. Biron also stated that the Town of Acushnet has a favorable bond rating of 15.5%, which is a “very strong financial position” according to bond rating agencies.
There were a few management recommendations made from the company that included improving controls over payroll, having formal reconciliations in the general ledger monthly, having a post-employment Trust fund and monitoring departmental receipts.
Town Administrator Brian Noble stated that many of the recommendations have already been addressed.
In other business, the Board voted on the betterment fee for the Sewer expansion program of Main and Wamsutta Streets. The total project cost was $153,750, and that would be divided by 15 houses; therefore the betterment fee would be $10,250 per household.
The Board also accepted a letter from the Mattapoisett Land Trust requesting a sign-off for the Tour de Crème Charity Bike Event to take place on May 20, 2018.
Selectboard member, Roger Cabral stated it might be time to take up bike riding.
The board also approved $7,700 requested by the Board of Health and Soil Board for consulting services from Woodward & Curran, for the PJ Keating property. The firm will study regulations around particle matter control, dust control, runoff and nuisance conditions.
The board did not meet with the Fire Chief as planned, but will go over the Fire Department budget at its next meeting.
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