TOWN OF DARTMOUTH NEWSLETTER
A MESSAGE FROM THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
B y : Da vi d G. C re s s m a n
Over the past several months, there has been a significant focus on
planning for several capital improvement projects. The Library completed
its planning document for the North Dartmouth Library. The next step will
be to solicit proposals for the Project Manager which is a State requirement.
The Project Manager will assist the Town in selecting an architect and
monitoring the design development phase.
If the project is funded, the Project Manager will manage the architect developing construction
documents and the contractor constructing the building.
Plans are moving forward on the Municipal Garage Project. The new Salt Shed is completed and the
next phase is to move the Leaf Compose Facility to the Sewer Plant. Also, plans have been revised to
relocate the Parks, DCTV and Harbormaster vehicles and equipment to the Allen Street Garage for both
safety reasons and the ability to relocate these facilities at least a year earlier than planned.
The bidding for replacing the roof on the Council on Aging was successful and I am awaiting a schedule
from the contractor to do this work. Bidding is taking place for the exterior repairs to the north and
east facades of Town Hall.
The Police Station Building Committee is working on plans and cost estimates to renovate the existing
Police Station or build a new Police Station.
In March the Town was recognized with an award from Blue Cross Blue Shield for the Towns innovative
actions with its health insurance program over the past year which has allowed us to hold the line on
health insurance cost increases for 18 months after achieving a slight reduction. More importantly a
revision to Medex Insurance Plan reduces the Town‘s long term OPEB liabilities.
The Town in conjunction with UMASS Dartmouth completed its third annual sustainability report.
Dartmouth is one of the few municipalities in the country that prepares such a report. Our
sustainability efforts are gaining additional recognition with a recent notice that the Federal National
Renewable Energy Laboratory is preparing an article about Dartmouth. The Town’s 8th Solar Farm at
the New Bedford Industrial Park is nearing completion.
Staff prepared a request for proposals to lease and then sell the Dutch Belt Farm. The Select Board
will be asked to approve this lease/purchase in June.
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Northeastern University Students completed a traffic study of Padanaram which was presented to the
Select Board and Community. The Public Works Department will now consider the study’s
recommendations for implementation. In the past few months development activity has occurred in
Padanaram Village as the former Beach Plum plans to reopen as Little Moss. Construction has started
on renovations to the former Bridge Street Café, and permit review of the purposed redevelopment of
the other corner of Bridge and Elm Street is underway. Finally it was nice to read in the Boston Globe
Travel Section a story about the attractiveness of South Dartmouth.
Town Meeting will be asked to approve appropriations for the Public Works and Park Departments
capital equipment in June rather than October so that the equipment can be available for next winter
as our equipment was frequently used this past winter there by shortening its useful life.
In April, the Town was notified of the Arbitration panel’s decision regarding the Police Union Contract.
Since the arbitration panels award more closely mirrored the Town’s final offer this will not significantly
influence the Towns fiscal plan. Instead, the Towns fiscal plan particularly education funding, is more
impacted by the lack of growth in the State Chapter 70 revenues, offsetting assessments for charter
schools and unreimbursed expenses for the homeless students who the state is housing in one of our
Towns motels. Unless these issues are addressed on Beacon Hill, education spending in FY2017 will
not be increasing in a similar amount as FY2016 which has benefited from significant New Growth
attributed to Solar Farms and Medical Facilities on Faunce Corner Road.
At the Allen Street and Slocum Road intersection, Opticom was installed as a continuation of the public
safety pre-emption system.
Finally, Town Staff completed a major upgrade to the Munis Financial System which first required 9,000
record reversions.
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Planning Board
The Planning Board is responsible for developing and implementing planning for the Town as well as
administering the Subdivision Control Law and site design approval for businesses through the parking
plan bylaw. Planning for the Town often takes the form of creating or amending Zoning Bylaws.
The Planning Board consists of a five member elected Board, with each member serving a term of five
years. Presently the Planning Board consists of the following five members: Joel Avila - Chairman,
Joseph Toomey – Vice Chairman, Lorri-Ann Miller - Clerk, John Sousa, and Kevin Melo. The Planning
Board meets on the second and fourth Monday of every month throughout the year.
The Planning Board is assisted in its duties by two staff members, John Hansen, Planning Director and
Jane Kirby, Planning Aide. Longtime Town Planner, Donald Perry, retired at the end of 2014 after 34
years of service. His knowledge of the Town and expertise in planning, specifically related to site
design and landscaping will be sorely missed. Planning Staff is available during Town Hall office hours
to administer the office and carry out the directives of the Planning Board.
Fifty-one (51) new house lots were created in Dartmouth in 2014. Some newer subdivision approvals
by the Planning Board have been Open Space Residential Designs, where half the property is protected
as permanent open space, which protects scenic vistas, wildlife habitat, agricultural lands, stonewalls,
and woodlands.
The Planning Board has also been concentrating on updating the Town’s Zoning Bylaws. The Zoning
Bylaws are regulations adopted at Town Meeting that govern the use of land and implement many of
the concepts outlined in the Town’s Master Plan. The Planning Board is currently working on a number
of Zoning Bylaws including a new Site Plan Review bylaw, which will take the place of the Parking Plan
Review bylaw.
The Site Plan Review bylaw will include updated standards for required parking spaces, landscaping
and stormwater management. New standards being developed will regulate traffic mitigation, lighting,
drive-thru configurations, and architectural standards.
The Planning Board is also working on a revised sign bylaw, with the assistance of SRPEDD through
District Local Technical Assistance and Municipal Assistance hours. The bylaw will include LED
standards, updated temporary sign regulations and any amendments necessary to conform to the First
Amendment.
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The Planning Board has proposed a series of simple “housekeeping” zoning articles for Spring Town
Meeting. One is the deletion of the bicycle standards in the newly adopted Bliss Corner Mixed Use
District.
These standards do not comport with the recently adopted Bicycle Standards within the
Parking Plan bylaw. Also, in an effort to have the zoning district mirror the current uses within
Padanaram, the Village Business District is being extended. Six (6) parcels that are residentially zoned
were identified that either are currently being used commercially or have received approval to do so.
These parcels will be rezoned as Village Business.
The Planning Board is responsible for approving all parking plan site layouts for commercial and
industrial development. Commercial development approvals have remained about the same over the
past few years, with modest growth. This year parking plan approvals included a new development
along State Road between Brandt and Greystone Avenues (retail/coffee-shop) and the relocation of St.
Anne’s Credit Union to 585 State Road.
Planning Staff is available to assist anyone with questions regarding the new zoning, divisions of land,
or parking plans. Anyone seeking assistance may call the Planning Office at 508-910-1816 or may visit
the Town’s website for downloadable copies of the zoning bylaws. The Planning Board link on the
Town’s website offers Subdivision Regulations and forms needed for division of land or parking plans.
Planning Board agendas and meeting minutes can also be found on the Town website.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION
SUMMER NEWSLETTER
After getting through a very difficult winter with plenty of snow, the department of parks and
recreation is in full swing preparing our facilities and programs for the upcoming busy season. This
year the summer recreational brochure is packed full of new programs and activities for youth, all at
affordable prices. Our latest brochure, available online and at the town hall, is also distributed through
the public school system.
Starting in June, our playground center located behind the Quinn Elementary School will gear up
serving children 7-13 years of age. Offering an unlimited number of activities in conjunction with
weekly field trips to Round Hill Beach, the DNRT properties and much more, this program is bound to
please. The Quinn location coupled with our existing center at Apponagansett Park for children starting
at age 5, is sure to offer our little residents a variety of day programs designed for younger children.
The rate for both week-long playground centers running from June 29 through August 21 is only $75
per week and flexible registration options remain.
In addition to our playground centers, we will continue to offer many educational lessons such as golf,
tennis and swimming, as well as some science based programs and theatre classes. These classroom
based programs will be held at the recreation center on Smith Neck Road, see our brochure for further
information regarding location and pricing.
For our loyal concert patrons, the always popular summer concert series will be starting mid-June. For
the first time in four years John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band will be returning as our season
headliner in early July. This great band will add to our full line up of Wednesday night shows featuring
talent from throughout New England. Concert season passes will be available starting May 4th for the
2015 series. Make sure to keep an eye out for the upcoming concert brochures and band listings.
New this year, the Gulf Hill Bucket is now being operated by the park/rec department and features new
menu items as well as ice cream varieties at very reasonable prices. Come down and try our new deep
fried apple pie.
Lastly, 2015 beach and park passes will be available starting May 4th.
The fee structure remains
unchanged from last year. Resident stickers are $35, seniors $25, no charge for disabled veteran.
Your pass will allow you access to all of the town’s public park facilities. Below is a listing of our parks,
locations, and brief description of what each site offers, we urge you to take some time and come see
what the department of parks and recreation has to offer. Have a safe and enjoyable summer season
and remember to like us on Facebook for updates on events and happenings.
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DARTMOUTH REGIONAL PARK & TRAILS (443 Old Fall River Road)
DRPT is a multi-faceted regional park for both passive and active recreation. Regionally the park is
easily accessible by Interstate 195 and Route 140. At this time when visiting the site you will see a
pavilion with picnic tables which can be reserved for special events, a handicap accessible picnic grove,
tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, a little league field and a multi-use field which also can be
reserved, restroom facilities and two playground areas. An existing trail can be easily accessed via
walking, biking or horseback riding. This facility is open year round and can be accessed by all.
APPONAGANSETT PARK (77 Gulf Road)
Open year round, Apponagansett Park offers scenic harbor views, a sandy beach area, bathhouse,
volleyball court, playground equipment, and a basketball court for your convenience and enjoyment.
The courts are lighted for evening use until 10:00 p.m. The historic “Gulf Hill Dairy” bucket will be
open again this summer offering a multitude of ice cream flavors, burgers, chicken fingers, fries and
much more!
JONES PARK (66 St. John Street)
Opening to the public on June 23, Jones Park offers a sandy beach area, bathhouse, softball field,
horseshoe pits, playground equipment, and picnic tables for your enjoyment.
To reserve the softball field please contact the Department of Parks & Recreation Office at 508-9101812 for availability.
ROUND HILL BEACH (231 Smith Neck Road)
Round Hill is an exclusive beach overlooking Buzzards Bay, the Elizabeth Islands, and abuts the Colonel
Green property.
Round Hill Beach is open Sunday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday, Saturday
and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The beach will be staffed with gate guards and lifeguards
during these hours, weather permitting, starting June 14th through Labor Day.
Round Hill Beach will remain open year round, during the day, weather permitting.
RUSSELL’S MILLS LANDING (50 Horseneck Road)
Russell’s Mills Landing is a natural, historic site that is beautiful for family picnics. It is equipped with
park benches, picnic tables, a tennis court, playground equipment, and a launching area for canoes to
tour the Slocum River. The facility is open year round, at no charge, for everyone’s enjoyment.
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CORNELL POND (707 Old Fall River Road)
Cornell Pond is a small, quaint, peaceful scenic facility on Old Fall River Road. A charcoal grill and
picnic tables make this the perfect place to enjoy family picnics along the pond. Children often have
their first experience at catching fish on Cornell Pond and come back each year with their family.
Whether you choose to play on the swing set or recline on the pond side bench or go fishing, Cornell
Pond is a place to simply relax. Cornell Pond can be enjoyed, at no charge, by any town resident year
round.
DARTMOUTH COMMUNITY PARK (Dartmouth Street)
The Dartmouth Community Park is the town's newest recreation facility. Located between the
Southworth Library and Cushman School, the new park is home to the town's first fully ADA accessible
public park playground. Additionally, the site offers picnic and sitting areas, open field space and a
paved walking loop. This facility is open to the general public year round.
PASKAMANSETT LANDING (Route 6)
The Paskamansett Landing is located on State Road adjacent to the Paskamansett River and water fall.
The site offers a canoe launch, and benches to view the scenic landscape.
PASKAMANSETT PARK (879 Russell’s Mills Road)
Paskamansett Park offers access to the southern portion of the Paskamansett River and is equipped
with a canoe launching site. Additionally, the facility offers a shaded picnic area and benches for scenic
viewing.
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OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT/GRANTS
May 2015 Newsletter
Deborah Melino-Wender, Director of Development
The Office of Development was created in May 2010 to provide the Town with expanded services
which including new grant development, community development, economic development, affordable
housing, and sustainability. The Office has been very active in the past year with a wide range of
activities.
Affordable Housing:
Housing Rehabilitation Program: This provides an important service to low and moderate income
residents by financing code improvements, lead abatement, septic upgrades, sewer-tie-ins and
handicap accessibility. This program assists eligible elderly and families with repairs such as heating,
roofing, plumbing, and energy efficiency. The Housing Rehab program is now funded through the
Affordable Housing component of the Community Preservation Act (CPA). This grant allocation allows
the Town to assist in the rehabilitation of about two homes per year.
Affordable Housing Trust: The office also worked with the Select Board and the CPC to create and
fund an Affordable Housing Trust. This trust will assist the town in directly creating affordable housing
units. This Trust was funded through a $300,000 grant from CPC. This office is in the process of
developing a mortgage buy-down program.
Housing Production Plan: In order to best direct the Town’s efforts to expand affordable housing
opportunities, over the last year the office worked closely with SRPEDD to develop a new Housing
Production Plan. This plan was approved by the State in October 2013. The plan is available on the
Town’s website:
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_WebDocs/dartmouth_permit_guide_final.pdf
Lincoln Park: In the past two years, the Plan Approval Authority (“PAA”) approved revised plans for two
apartment buildings at Lincoln Park – a 36 unit affordable unit building and a 48 unit age restricted
building. Construction of the 36 unit building is anticipated to begin in June 2015.
Grants:
Since its inception, the Development Office has worked with various departments to apply for over 50
grants totaling over $10 million and ranging in size from $10,000 to $2,200,000. We have been
successful in securing 31 grants for a total grant amount of over $4 million. During the last year the
Town was successful in securing a $50,000 to fund the planning process for the relocation of the North
Dartmouth library, a $2.2 million MASSWORKS grant to fund street infrastructure improvements to
support the Lincoln Park Development and an $11,800 South Coast Rail grant to help the Town identify
new development opportunities as the retail landscape continues to change. Additionally, the Town
was successful in securing a $214,000 private grant for the development of a dog park at the
Dartmouth Regional Park.
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Economic and Community Development:
One of the major efforts of the Department is to develop a positive economic and community
development focus. The office continues to work closely with other Town departments to identify ways
to streamline the review and permitting process and to provide a single point of contact for developers.
The following projects are underway or have been completed:
Permitting Guide: A Permitting Guide for Doing Business in Dartmouth is now available. This
permitting guide is available in several offices in Town Hall and on the Town’s website
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_WebDocs/dartmouth_permit_guide_final.pdf
Padanaram Village: The Department of Public Works engaged with Northeastern University for a
capstone project by graduating seniors regarding improvements to Padanaram Village. The students
investigated streetscape improvements and opportunities to improve vehicular and pedestrian
circulation. This study can be accessed on the Town’s website:
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_Webdocs/PadanaramNortheasternCapstonePr
oject.pdf
This project completes the visioning session led by the Cecil Group in November 2013.
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_WebDocs/2014_01_24FinalDartCharretteRpt.
pdf
Hazard Mitigation Planning: Upon receiving a grant to develop a Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan,
the Office of Development began working with the consultants, Comprehensive Environmental Inc.,
Dartmouth DPW and other Town departments and community partners to develop a Local Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan. The Town is awaiting final approval from MEMA and FEMA. The goal of this plan is to
provide sustained actions to reduce or eliminate risks and damage from a natural hazard event by
identifying appropriate mitigation measures. Approval of this plan will qualify the Town to apply for
grants to carry out these identified measures. This plan can be found on the Town website at:
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_WebDocs/DartHazardMitPlan31414FinalDraft.
pdf
Agricultural Preservation Trust Council: The Office of Development is working closely with the
Agricultural Preservation Trust Council to assist in developing a strategy for securing agricultural
preservation restrictions (APR) and the ultimate sale Dutch Belt Farm as a preserved and working farm.
The Town has already secured an APR and sold Schofield Farm.
Dutch Belt Farm: An RFP has been issued for the lease and ultimate sale of the property, while the
Town continues to work to secure an APR on the property with the State. The lease is anticipated to
be awarded shortly.
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Aquifer Study: During the last year, as a result of a South Coast Rail Technical Assistance Grant,
SRPEDD developed a technical report to identify land use and zoning tools that could encourage
appropriate development while protecting the quality of the local aquifer. The study recommendations
are presently under review.
Energy/Sustainability: This office continues to work on a variety of issues relating to sustainability,
including alternative energy resources. A grant was recently secured for a part-time Energy Manager
with John Long being hired in December 2014. Mr. Long has been working to update the energy
tracking system, and is reviewing energy consumption and opportunities for energy savings for all
Town and School buildings. He will work with the energy committee to develop a strategic plan and
implementation guide for energy savings and renewable energy opportunities, work with the School
Department to expand/enhance the existing science curriculum to address energy efficiency and
renewables, and partner with SEEAL to develop an outreach community town-wide campaign for
energy efficiency. The Town anticipates this grant funded position will result in a first year energy
savings of 1.5% -2%.
This Office and the Energy Manager have also worked with SRPEDD to develop a Community Choice
Energy Aggregation Program. By combining the buying power of up to 13 SRPEDD communities, we
expect to be able to purchase electricity at very competitive prices and to provide rate stability. This
program was approved at a special March 2015 Town Meeting. The Good Energy Aggregation
documents can be found at:
http://www.town.dartmouth.ma.us/Pages/DartmouthMA_News/good-003.pdf
Open Space and Recreation Masterplan: The Office of Development is currently managing the efforts
of SRPEDD and the Open Space and Recreation Planning Committee to develop an update to the
current Dartmouth Open Space and Recreation Masterplan. An updated plan is required in order to
apply for any state funding. This plan is expected to be completed within the next several months.
Dog Park: This office is currently working with the Office of Parks and Recreation and the community
group, DDWAG to develop an off-leash dog park at the Dartmouth Regional Park. The Town has
secured $214,000 from a private foundation and $37,000 from CPC. The project is presently out to bid
and is expected to be completed mid-fall 2015.
SRPEDD: The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) is an
important partner with the Town, particularly in the areas of transportation, regional planning and
economic development and sustainability. This office is actively involved in this partnership. The
Director of Development acts as the representative of the Select Board to SRPEDD and is also active in
SRPEDD’s Regional Economic Strategy Committee and Finance Committee.
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Dartmouth Health Department
By: Christopher Michaud
It has been a year since the last contribution to the newsletter and there have been many changes and
events to report on.
Wendy Henderson, Director of Public Health retired in September of 2014. Wendy’s service with the
Town started in 1987 as a Health and Sanitary Inspector and then Director of Public Health in 1993.
The Board of Health in August of 2014 voted to appoint Christopher Michaud who had served as Health
and Sanitary Inspector since 1995 to the position of Director of Public Health. Additionally, Stephanie
Santiago, Administrative Clerk for the Board of Health left her position for employment in the private
sector. In September, Tina Cabral a clerk in the Zoning Board of Appeals filled the vacated
administrative clerk position. Finally, in November the Board welcomed Courtney Cohen as the new
Health and Sanitary Inspector.
The Board of Health provides support services for the Conservation Commission, serve as inspectors
and clerk for the Soil Board and assist Animal Control in certain administrative functions.
At the Spring Town meeting of 2014, the Soil Board’s by-law article was approved. The new by-law is a
substantial transformation from the prior version that was largely unchanged from the early 1960s.
Dartmouth’s unique interests are well represented in the new by-law as well as efficiencies to reduce
the burden on our staff that absorbed the responsibilities of the Soil Board without any added
resources. The sun setting of the Permit Extension Act enabled the Soil Board at their May 2015
meeting to act on permits for the first time in almost five years.
Last year a reorganization of the Animal Control and Board of Health budgets was approved at Town
Meeting to provide more resources to Animal Control coverage. We realize that animals do not follow
business hours or schedules, so expanded coverage is an important service in a town as large as, and
diverse as Dartmouth. Routine coverage extends most weekdays from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM and
Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. We are continuing to look for ways to expand routine coverage to
Sundays, limited holidays and emergency after hour’s provisions.
Finally, in September of 2014 the Town contracted with Brandon Woods to provide public health
nursing services and we are excited to enter into this new partnership. Brandon Woods will provide a
nurse to the Town when the emergency shelter is open.
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Seasonal Updates
W inter
We are all relieved that winter is gone and the warm weather is finally upon us. The winter of
2014/2015 was not only difficult for us but wildlife. Animal Control received numerous calls for
distressed wildlife as food resources diminished with snow and ice. Also, wildlife was resorted to
traveling down roads and driveways rather than expending extra calories by wading through the deep
snow. It is important to remember that even in difficult times like this past winter, wildlife has unique
adaptions to cope with inclement weather and well-intended acts like feeding can come with fatal
consequences.
Spring & Sum m er
Beaches
Annual beach testing is set to begin on June 16, 2015 and will run through September 1, 2015. All of
the Town’s marine beaches will be tested in addition to private marine beaches. Bacteriological tests
occur weekly and are posted on the Board’s website weekly.
Mosquitos
While it has been a dry spring, we did have ample precipitation over the winter leaving typical
mosquito breeding areas primed for a healthy population. Typically we are greeted in the spring with
these pests, usually it is not until July that we start to learn of the more serious consequence from their
presence: West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). You can help reduce mosquito
breeding areas by overturning buckets, flushing bird baths daily, draining your abandoned swimming
pool, and properly disposing of tires or storing them indoors once drained. Anything that holds water
can harbor mosquito larvae. Bite prevention using standard precautions is the best protection. Wear
protective clothing especially in the early morning and late afternoon, avoid being outside after sunset,
use insect repellants as instructed.
Bristol County Mosquito control continues to provide spraying. Call 508-823-5253 to have your property
sprayed.
Ticks
Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases continue to be reported in Massachusetts in an alarming
number of cases each year. The Board will be updating the website throughout the summer with links
and information on each specific tick borne disease.
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Fall/Winter
Flu Clinics
The implementation of universal health care coverage has impacted the State allocation of flu vaccines
to local health departments. Starting this Year State supplied flu vaccines can only be dispensed to
uninsured children. Over the summer; we will look to partner with private providers to utilize their
services and offer clinics at our typical locations. Most insurance plans cover the cost associated with
this vaccine.
Other News
Grants
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has made grants available for substance abuse
with the focus on a regional approach.
Dartmouth along with New Bedford, Marion, Rochester and Wareham was awarded a grant for opioid
prevention. The Board entered into this agreement in recognition of the rise of opioid related issues
across the region. This grant is projected to last several years and we are in the beginning stages of
data collection regionally. We would like to thank Bristol County Sheriff, Thomas Hodgson and Ana
Arruda, Assistant Deputy Superintendent for working with us on the early stages of this project. As the
summer progresses, we will begin to develop strategies for implementation within the grant funded
area. We look forward to reporting on these measures at a later time.
On May 19, 2015, another grant was awarded by DPH to another coalition of Southcoast communities
to prevent under-age drinking. This partnership includes Dartmouth, all of the prior communities and
the Town of Westport. We are excited about this opportunity to provide added tools for the prevention
of substance abuse in the region and here in Dartmouth.
Lynne Brodeur, Board of Health member filled out an application with DPH for a summer intern. The
purpose of the intern project sponsored by DPH is to provide a mutually beneficial relationship between
advanced students in the public health field and the hosting local health department. Jenna Kiridly has
been selected as our intern. Jenna is a graduate student will be shared with Rochester. Her internship
will focus on Babesiosis a tick borne disease that is spread by the black legged tick. Tick borne diseases
are of interest to the Board as they have and will continue to maintain their presence in the
environment. Upon conclusion of the internship we will have educational and informational resources
available on our website to better inform the community of this serious yet seldom discussed disease.
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Agriculture
The Board of Health has piggery regulations for the keeping of five or more adult pigs and the Board
has issued very few permits. However, the buy local campaign and public awareness surrounding large
scale commercial livestock operations has generated interests in locally raised animals for consumption.
Piggeries can trigger many concerns from the public. Some of our older residents may recall the pig
farmer picking up the garbage from the swill pot, while others may have concerns surrounding odor
generated from manure and feeding. In recognition of these concerns and evolving trends in
agriculture the Board is updating our Piggery Regulations to provide more safeguards surrounding
certain feeding practices and more freedom for operations that strive for keeping practices that are
compatible with environment and community.
One example of agriculture being conducted with an abundance of respect and awareness of the
animals, environment and community is located in South Dartmouth. When this farm was inspected
this winter with many feet of snow on the ground pigs were observed basking in the sun in wintering
pens. Some of the swine were tearing hay away from a large round bale while others were sleeping off
their meal in a mound of leaves that had been placed for bedding and drainage. The swine live most of
the year in rotating pastures. In these pastures the animals derive nutrition from the land as they
consume vegetation. In some cases the swine are placed in areas that are overgrown with invasive
species rather than using herbicides for control. Grains are used to supplement their diets and not the
post-consumer food wastes that some recall from years ago. Post-consumer food wastes can be
problematic animal feed since it creates a variety of issues that can lead to nuisance conditions.
Additionally, the swine enrich the soil with their manure. Some of the pastures are later planted with
crops as the swine rotate out into other areas of the farm. This rotational practice reduces the use of
fertilizers that can negatively impact watersheds. Cattle are also kept in a similar manner on this farm.
This operation demonstrates sustainable agriculture where the famer lets the land and community to
guide the keeping practices rather than the artificial manipulation we have read about in large confined
feeding operations. Eventually the swine and cattle attain market weight and they are then brought to
an approved USDA slaughter house. This enables the meat to be packaged for resale and then offered
for sale.
Housing
In January, the Guest Establishment Regulations went into effect. These regulations were enacted by
the Board to clarify existing housing requirements and to provide operational guidance at hotels and
motels. Safe and sanitary housing is a concern of the Board and inspectors have been tracking
compliance at these establishments.
Enjoy the warm weather and be sure to check the Board of Health website for updates.
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In 2014, the Dartmouth Community Television Staff led the charge for the Dartmouth 350th Celebration from
beginning to end along with hundreds of community volunteers. The spectacular celebration included a Gala at the
Hawthorn Country Club, a breathtaking fireworks display at Apponagansett, numerous village celebrations
throughout the summer, and the biggest parade the Town of Dartmouth has ever seen! DCTV was integral in the
planning and operational stages of all events to ensure the celebration was worthy of Dartmouth’s rich history.
Following the celebration, DCTV continued its partnership with Dartmouth High School and the University of
Massachusetts Dartmouth to provide coverage of sports and concerts. This included the Dartmouth High Football
Team’s incredible run to the Division III State Championship and the NESBA Percussion Championships at
Dartmouth High School.
This coverage was possible through the help of the UMass Dartmouth Work Study program and several Dartmouth
High School interns who all contributed to high quality productions on DCTV. A new partnership was also formed
with the UMass Dartmouth English Department where three interns produced “The Star Story,” a short documentary
about the history of the Star Store and how UMass Dartmouth’s restoration of the building revitalized the Downtown
area.
As always, DCTV focused on providing coverage of Government Meetings and events in the Town. In addition to
the Fall Annual Town Meeting and the Special Town Meeting in March, DCTV continued to provide weekly coverage
of the Select Board, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals.
Along with DCTV’s event and meetings coverage, many new in-studio shows were launched in late 2014 and early
2015. These include “The Principal’s Office” hosted by Dartmouth High Principal John Gould, “Your Town” hosted
by Select Board Member Stanley Mickelson, and “Chamber Focus” with Ian Abreu who is the Manager of Workforce
& Business Development at the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. These enthusiastic hosts have provided
DCTV with great new programming that focuses on interesting people and events in the Town of Dartmouth.
DCTV has remained committed to providing the highest quality shows possible and this has been reflected with the
purchase of new equipment. In 2014, a new portable production unit was purchased which expands DCTV’s HD
production capabilities. New LED lights and a lighting board gives new versatility to in-studio productions and
variations on old sets. DCTV will continue with its plan to update obsolete equipment over the next few years.
In addition to new equipment, DCTV has worked to improve old processes. The Town Message Board found on
Channels 9, 18, and 95 has been updated to include higher quality graphics that are more pleasing to the eye. The
website has also been updated to improve ease of use. People are now able to purchase High-Definition Blu-Ray’s of
sports, concerts, and many other events.
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Town of Dartmouth
400 Slocum Road
Dartmouth, MA 02747
Phone: 508-910-1815
By: Christine Amaral
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