TOWN OF DARTMOUTH NEWSLETTER JUNE 1, 2016
A MESSAGE FROM THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
B y : Da vi d G. C re s s m a n
Over the past quarter, the best news was that working with the Departments,
Boards and Commissions, Select Board and the Fin Com we prepared for
Town Meeting another balanced budget. Most important, this was
accomplished while having to address a significant budget assessment
increase from Greater New Bedford Vocational School due to growing
enrollment from Dartmouth. Assisting us in addressing this was the fact that
for the seventh year in a row we have not increased our workers
compensation budget which is incredible when one considers most of the costs are medical bills and
medical inflation is three times the rate of regular inflation. Thus our Department Heads and employees
should be commended for this focus on safety.
In contrast the most disappointing news was the loss of the Police Station dept exemption vote. While I
must respect the voter’s decision, it is very frustrating when almost ninety percent of the voters decided
not to participate in the local election which I believe is their responsibility as citizens. Even more
frustrating is the fact unless all of the “no” votes favored a new construction option for a Police Station
in a different location which may save in the long term there is no savings in delaying as further
construction cost increases by 5 % per year which adds another $400,000 on to the cost of the project.
In terms of good news, the Town Hall windows and exterior project is progressing. Bids for the Senior
Center windows and siding project were awarded and this project will start in the next quarter. The
Library Building Committee has worked diligently with its architect and project manager to develop a
building proposal which will be presented to the Select Board in June so that a grant application can be
submitted before the end of the calendar year. With the return of the good weather work was initiated
on the second phase of the Faunce Corner Road project between State Road and Cross Road, also DPW
has started Fisher Road repaving.
The Town was fortunate to receive a one million dollar grant from the Commonwealth’s Economic
Development Council. However the Town Meeting’s defeat of the proposal to purchase waterfront
property at 4 Water Street for the Dartmouth Maritime Center has put that grant in doubt. While
Dartmouth has not experienced large economic development projects as happened during the last five
years, progress has occurred with the new Hannoush Jewelers and Starbucks Coffee plus the
redevelopment of two properties in Padanaram Village.
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One of the more significant events was the finalization of the Sister City agreement with Dartmouth
Devon plus our decision to participate in the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Mayflower in 2020.
Through our Sister City and participating in the Plymouth 400 Celebration. Hopefully we are building a
foundation for culture and economic development opportunities over the next four years.
With staff’s work, we are participating as a Commonwealth Compact Community. This has resulted in
a grant for an innovative scanner for beach stickers. Additionally, this has allowed us to work on an
economic development assessment plus initiate studies on data models and climate vulnerability.
Looking ahead Town Meeting approved funding for a new pavilion at Apponagansett Park and a new
roof for the Middle School. DPW has indicated that MASS DOT has awarded funds to reconstruct the
Padanaram Causeway. Finally the DPW is under construction for the expansion of its vehicle
maintenance garage so that all municipal vehicles may be serviced by the DPW.
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. Planning Staff is available during Town Hall office hours to administer the
office and carry out the directives of the Planning Board.
Fifty-five (55) new house lots were created in Dartmouth in 2015. All 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 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. A new telecommunications bylaw is also being drafted, which will regulate the use and
location of cell towers.
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 the relocation of the
Ace Hardware from one side of Dartmouth St. to the other and a new convenience store/gas station at
Faunce Corner Road and Ventura Drive
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.
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION
SUMMER NEWSLETTER
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 713 years of age. Offering an unlimited number of activities in conjunction with weekly field trips to mini golf, roller
skating, 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 27
through August 19 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, and tennis, 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
our history, every band in this year’s lineup has ties to Dartmouth. Concert season passes will be available starting
May 4th for the 2016 series. Make sure to keep an eye out for the upcoming concert brochures and band listings.
The Gulf Hill Bucket is now open and in full swing. Over the winter the department renovated the kitchen and
installed a new walk-in freezer and new fryolators to handle the growing operation. With a new expanded menu and
continued affordable pricing, we urge everyone to come down and try a new specialty menu food item or ice cream
treat.
Lastly, 2016 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 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.
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! Lifeguards are staffed at this site from
July 1 - Labor Day.
JONES PARK (66 St. John Street)
Opening to the public on June 25, 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 508-910-1812 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 daily 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 18th 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.
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.
OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT/GRANTS
May 2016 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 continues to be very active 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, roof repairs, septic upgrades, sewer-tie-ins
and handicap accessibility. The Housing Rehab program is now funded through the Affordable Housing
component of the Community Preservation Act (CPA). Interested applicants should contact this office
to determine eligibility
Affordable Housing Trust: The office also worked with the Select Board and the CPC to create and
fund an Affordable Housing Trust. This office is working with a consultant to finalize a mortgage buydown program to assist income eligible applicant in the purchase of a home.
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. A 36 unit market rate residential building is planned for later in 2016. Construction of the 36
unit building was completed in January 2016.
Grants:
Since its inception, the Development Office has worked with various departments to apply for 60 grants
totaling over $15 million and ranging in size from $10,000 to $2,200,000. We have been successful in
securing 39 grants for a total grant amount of over $7 million. During the last year the Town was
successful in obtaining a Community Compact award from the Commonwealth. This grant will assist
the Town, working with the Commonwealth to make improvements in the areas of Information
Technology Best Practices, Climate Change and Mitigation, and Economic Competitiveness. The Town
was also successful in securing a $1,000,000 innovation grant from the Massachusetts Seaport
Economic Council for the development of a waterfront active and passive recreation area in Padanaram.
The project will provide an opportunity to create direct waterfront access from the Village, improve
local tourism and provide recreational and educational opportunities to residents.
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 recently have been completed:
Development Summit: This office also worked with the Finance Committee to facilitate a Development
Summit to analyze how the Town can be more attractive for economic development investment while
preserving its unique characteristics. As an outcome of this summit, a UMass Partnership Committee
and a Retail Committee were formed to investigate opportunities for growth within these two sectors.
Retail Study: This office worked closely with SRPEDD to develop the study “Re-Imagining the
Dartmouth Retail Corridor” which provided information and recommendations as to opportunities in this
important corridor given the changing retail landscape.
Complete Streets: This office is working on a new state initiative with the Department of Public Works
entitled Complete Streets. This program encourages street designs that provide safe and accessible
options for all travel modes – walking, biking, transit and vehicles – for people of all ages and abilities.
We have developed a draft Complete Streets policy. Completion of this work will enable the Town to
access money for technical assistance and infrastructure improvements.
North Dartmouth Branch Library. The Town had previously secured a $50,000 Public Library
Construction Planning and Design Grant to develop a plan for the replacement of the North Dartmouth
Library which will need to be relocated with the planned relocation of Tucker Road. Over the past year,
this office has worked closely with the Director of Libraries and the Library Building Committee to hire
a Project Manager and a Project Architect to develop a design and project cost estimates. We anticipate
making application for a State library construction grant within the next six months.
Energy/Sustainability: This office continues to work on a variety of issues relating to sustainability,
including alternative energy resources. Using a state grant for a part-time Energy Manager, we recently
hired Shawn Luz. Mr. Luz is updating the energy tracking system, and is reviewing energy
consumption and opportunities for energy savings for all Town and School buildings. He is working
with contractors and staff to upgrade systems and reduce operating costs and energy consumption. The
Town anticipates this grant funded position will result in annual energy savings of about 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
are able to purchase electricity at very competitive prices and to provide rate stability. This program
was approved at a special March 2015 Town Meeting and is now operational.
Open Space and Recreation Masterplan: The Office of Development managed 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, which has been completed and accepted by the State. An
updated plan is required in order to apply for any state funding.
Dog Park: This office continues to work with the Office of Parks and Recreation and the community
group, DDWAG to develop an off-leash dog park at the Dartmouth Regional Park. Higher than
anticipated construction bids have delayed the project but we are exploring alternative development
models and financing
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 the
organization’s Vice Chairman. The Director and is active in SRPEDD’s Regional Economic Strategy
Committee and Finance Committee.
Department of Public Works
Transportation Update:
Three important transportation projects were recently bid. The Padanaram Causeway
Rehabilitation Project, consisting of the full reconstruction of the causeway from
Apponagansett Landing to the Padanaram Bridge, the Faunce Corner Mall Road – Phase 1
upgrade from Rte 6 to Cross Road, and the Rte 6 / Rte 177 Intersection Upgrade Project.
The Padanaram Causeway Rehabilitation Project bid came in approximately $2 million dollars
over the construction cost estimate. As a result, the project has been delayed while additional
funds are identified, and a review of the bid is conducted in order to identify the reasons for the
increased construction cost. As of this update, we do not have a project start date although
the project has been awarded to the low bidder.
The Faunce Corner Mall Road project was awarded and work commenced on March 5, 2016.
The project will include an additional north bound lane from Rte 6 to Cross Road, intersection
improvements, traffic signal upgrades that will include Adaptive Signal Control (ASC)
technology. The use of ASC technology along the Faunce Corner Mall Road corridor including
the new I-195 interchange is an effective way to deal with traffic conditions that may change
quickly, such as an emergency detour off I-195, time varied traffic flow to and from the
University, or special events at the University. Once on line, the ASC system will adjust traffic
flow to respond to actual traffic conditions resulting in a more efficient signalized traffic corridor.
The first phase of the project currently underway consists of utility relocations, gas main
upgrades, and the widening of the shoulder areas. This work will take place over the next six
months. After a winter shut down, the project will commence in March 2017 when the median
island will be narrowed, intersections upgraded and new traffic signals installed. The final
component will include new bituminous pavement and traffic markings. The Faunce Corner
Mall Road project and the I-195 interchange project are both scheduled to be complete in May
2017.
The Rte 6 / Rte 177 Intersection Upgrade Project is 95% complete, remaining work includes
completion of the overhead utility relocation phase that has been delayed due to the Verizon
strike, top coarse paving, and drainage upgrades on Beeden Road. The intersection upgrade
has provided improved safety at a previously awkward and unsafe intersection.
Community Offering Prevention and Education (COPE)
Subcommittee of Healthy Dartmouth
________________________________________________________________________
Healthy Dartmouth forms Community Offering Prevention and Education
For regular readers of the Town newsletter, you must be wondering what is Healthy Dartmouth, who is COPE and
why is this the first time I am hearing these names?
Healthy Dartmouth is a meeting group organized, and led by Dr. Bonny Gifford, Superintendent of Dartmouth
Public Schools. The meeting group had a long history in town but succumbed to staff turnover and disinterest;
however, in January of 2016, Dr. Gifford revived the group. At that first meeting, recently appointed Youth advocate
for the Town of Dartmouth, Jennifer Cabral accepted the task of organizing a smaller group to address some of the
many risks facing our youth. Ms. Cabral quickly recruited a few volunteers from general government, the school
department, police department and individuals outside of town government. Meetings convened and it was quickly
realized that the focus would be on substance use, formerly referred to as drug abuse. By the third week of February,
the meeting group had taken on a name, COPE, which stands for Community Offering Prevention and Education.
COPE is a subcommittee of Healthy Dartmouth. COPE is co-chaired by Detective Kyle Costa from the Dartmouth
Police Department, and Christopher Michaud, Director of Public Health for the Town of Dartmouth. Aside from the
leadership, COPE has regular members including Jennifer Cabral, Donna Farias, administrative clerk from Health
Department, Dr. Bonny Gifford, Michael O’Brien from Bishop Stang High School, Connie Rocha-Mimoso from
Seven Hills Behavioral Health in New Bedford, Mathew Vangel a faith based volunteer, Nicholas Charest from
SSTAR in Fall River, April Cabrera from the Bristol County District Attorney's office, Rachel Davis from Southcoast
Hospitals and Sheila Dorgan from UMASS Dartmouth. COPE is not an exclusive group and as we identify key
stakeholders within the community we are including them going forward.
Background on drug abuse
Traditionally drug abuse was thought to be addressed by enforcement and treatment. Education and prevention was
prevalent in the 1980s and 1990s; and then faded away leaving a void all the while additional pathways and
risks to drug use developed.
Places, behaviors and people associated with drugs just ten years ago have all changed. We now know that the
drastic rise in opioid and heroin use in Massachusetts is primarily linked to the medicine cabinet and no longer on
the street corner.
Opioids are a synthetic version of heroin. These powerful drugs were developed for people dealing with
significant medical issues that necessitated the use of an opioid to manage the pain. Gradually prescribing
practices for opioids expanded to include more routine pain management like for tooth extraction recovery,
severe menstrual cramps and surgical procedures. The widespread use of opioids increased the risk for
subsequent addiction.
Additionally, unused medications are often left unsecured in medicine cabinets where they are vulnerable to
access for unintended use.
Once the addiction starts with the pill it quickly becomes unaffordable and the door to heroin use then
opens as a cheaper alternative. Many battling the disease of addiction have said they would have never
stuck a needle in them self, however, the reality of addiction leads to the usual outcome of injection.
What science has taught us about drug addiction
Addiction is not a choice. While the initial decision to take a substance may be voluntary if not prescribed,
brain changes result over time challenging the person’s ability to control use and hinder their ability to
resist the intense impulses to take drugs. It is not a lack of moral principles or willpower that drives the
urges to misuse substances; addiction is a chronic disease.
A disease is simply defined as a particular abnormal condition, a disorder of a structure or function, which
affects part or all of a living being. We are very familiar with how other common conditions like cancer
and diabetes impact the human body but addiction is often incorrectly viewed by society as a choice instead
of the disease that professionals recognize it as. Understanding addiction as a disease is paramount to
overcoming the challenges we face as a society. The stigmas associated with the addiction all too often
impede assistance to families coping with the impacts or individuals from seeking treatment.
Like other diseases addiction is a chronic condition and often relapsing. The impact of this disease on the
brain is a chronic condition and often relapsing. A drug like an opioid, heroin, and marijuana tap into
the brains communication pathways and interferes with the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and
process information. As a person continues to misuse drugs, the brain adapts to overwhelming surges in
neurotransmitters, mainly dopamine, by producing less or reducing the number of pleasure receptors in the
pathway. Dopamine release is associated with pleasurable experiences for example, eating releases
dopamine. Less dopamine or receptors decreases the impact of dopamine on the reward circuit, which
reduces the ability of the abuser to receive pleasure not only from the drug but also other routine
pleasurable events.
The purpose of COPE is to address substance use in Town for all age groups by delivering sustainable resources that
address prevention and intervention. You will see and hear more about prevention programs because we know that
addiction is a preventable disease. COPE’s intervention and outreach efforts for those that are battling the disease will
not see the same publicity, since these actions are directed at groups or individuals.
Some may be aware of COPE through the panel event that took place on March 9, 2016, at the Dartmouth Middle
School. The panel event included a variety of speakers including law enforcement, schools, parent, sibling, medical
doctor, non-denominational faith based outreach and behavioral health. Following the presentation the audience was
given the opportunity to ask questions. These questions and voluntary surveys that were collected during the event
provided COPE with important information to focus our efforts going forward. We have already compiled a list of
short and long term objectives from this event.
Following the event, COPE members have been busy. On March 27, 2016, Detective Costa and Jennifer Cabral
attended the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. This national summit is the training of all training
opportunities. We were fortunate to be able to send them to the conference through funds from a coalition grant
that was awarded to a cluster of area communities in the fall of 2014, which the Town of Dartmouth is a part of.
Upon returning from the summit Detective Costa and Ms. Cabral started discussions on a new program that they
would like to see incorporated into certain health classes next year. This program is called Hero-in and will address
precursors to substance use and addiction.
On May 27, 2016, Hero-in kicked off at Dartmouth High School with an assembly presentation. Students gathered in
the gymnasium to listen to Detective Costa speak about the program and his experiences with substance use in the
Dartmouth Police Department. Laura Washington from SSTAR in Fall River presented to the students on the science
behind addiction; a very important topic as many in society mistakenly feel addiction is a choice and not a disease.
Wrapping up the presentation was Jordan Black, a former Dartmouth high school student who is now in recovery.
We are excited about the development and implementation of the unique Hero-in program into the classrooms next
year that is based upon Dartmouth's unique interests and concerns surrounding pathways to substance use and
addiction.
Figure 1 Pictured Left to Right: Jordan Black, Youth Advocate, Jennifer Cabral, Laura Washington, and Detective Kyle Costa
Dartmouth High School - Hero-in Assembly
On March 9, 2016, there was a panel discussion on substance use that was recorded by DCTV and is available online:
(see link below)
http://75.147.58.17/Cablecast/public-site/index.html#/show/2310?channel=2
On May 27, 2016, there was an assembly held at the Dartmouth High School introducing the Hero-in program that
was recorded by DCTV and is available online: (see link below)
http://75.147.58.17/Cablecast/public-site/index.html#/show/2436?channel=1
Where to go to rid unwanted prescription medication?
Prior to the creation of COPE the Dartmouth Police Department started collecting unwanted prescription medication
at their station located at 249 Russells Mills Road in January of 2016. Detective Costa who oversees this program has
reported very active participation with eighty-four pounds of medication collected including opioids in the first five
months of operation. The kiosk is open to the public and there is no cost to dispose of your medication. The only
restrictions are no liquids or aerosols and this is for medication only, sharps like needles cannot be accepted here.
Figure 2 Chief Szala
UMASS Chief of Police, Emil Fiorvanti expressed an interest in siting a drug disposal collection kiosk at UMASS
Dartmouth after being approached about this valuable public service by COPE. The Town was able to fund the kiosk
through funding from the regional grant. In April the kiosk was delivered and went into operation a short while later.
Thank you Chief Fiorvanti!
Figure 3 University Massachusetts Dartmouth – Public Safety Complex
Federal regulations limit the placement of collection kiosks to law enforcement stations and pharmacies, which has
prevented the placement of more disposal units in town. However, COPE is continuing to push other private and
public entities to step up and offer this resource to protect our community. We remain hopeful that the coming year
may deliver additional disposal options in town.
Looking forward we have a lot to do. We have begun planning additional educational opportunities to be
implemented in the schools for the next school year and beyond. SADD is now Students Against Destructive
Decision making and ties in with COPE's interest to address precursors to substance use and to empower youth to
look out for one another. Do not confuse this with the SADD of years ago. Ms. Cabral will be starting a Dartmouth
SADD chapter in the fall of 2016. Since this is new to Dartmouth, Ms. Cabral will be attending a national conference
at the end of June. Once again the Town is fortunate to have grant assets available to fund attendance at this
conference.
Mark your calendars, on September 25, 2016, Callie Nunez at UMASS Dartmouth a fourth year nursing student is
holding a recovery walk at UMASS Dartmouth. She has extended an invitation to other organizations to partner and
turn the event into a regional gathering for people to come together for awareness of the disease called addiction. We
are working with Ms. Nunez to turn this into a regional event. As the date approaches, more information will be
posted on various Town of Dartmouth department websites and social media outlets.
COPE realizes the urgency in addressing substance use in the community. We cannot afford to have one more
person succumb to this disease. We are a dedicated group with a focus on delivering sustainable and long lasting
resources to the community. We ask for your help by attending our events and spreading the word.
If you would like any further information on COPE, feel free
at cmichaud@town.dartmouth.ma.us/kcosta@dartmouthpd.org or 508-910-1804.
For the community,
Christopher Michaud, Co-chair
Detective Kyle Costa, Co-chair
Town of Dartmouth
400 Slocum Road
Dartmouth, MA 02747
By: Christine Amaral
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