ORANGE — Addressing a lengthy agenda on Wednesday, the Selectboard approved the creation of a new subcommittee to curb dock issues at Lake Mattawa, a plan to dissolve the Armory Commission and a motion to task Town Administrator Matthew Fortier with applying to the state for a financial management review.

Lake subcommittee

The discussion on Lake Mattawa relates to a letter received from the Waterways Program of the state Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regarding a complaint filed by a resident. The letter addresses an issue of recent dock installations at the lake that were not being done in accordance with the state Chapter 91 licensing program.

Selectboard member Jane Peirce, the town contact for MassDEP’s Waterways Program, explained that the town can adopt the program to issue dock licensing permits, or the state can do so. Peirce noted that the nuance with this program comes from the land connecting to the docks, such as a walkway or stairway, that would allow for public use, while the dock itself would be considered private. Peirce said it will “take some negotiation and finesse” when it comes to leveling the interest of the property owners on Lake Mattawa who own the docks with that of the town in complying with the state licensing program.

Vice Chair Pat Lussier expressed concern with the “no trespassing” signs or other access restrictions present at some locations on Holtshire Road on the east side of the lake, saying that the signs violate the right for the public to access the land.

“I care about the fact that people are prohibiting other people from accessing that lake and they have absolutely no right to,” Lussier said.

Peirce proposed forming a subcommittee to be accommodating to property owners on the lake, which was approved. Seven members, including Lussier, would make up the subcommittee and gather information to move forward on complying with Chapter 91.

Armory Commission

The agenda also included a discussion of the Armory Commission and the appointment of a new member, Pennie Smith. Selectboard Chair Tom Smith began by referencing a discussion he had with Fortier about whether the town should continue adding members to the commission when the Orange Armory, at 135 East Main St., is not in use.

“I have an issue with expanding the Armory Commission at all since the building is no longer habitable,” Tom Smith stated.

He proposed tabling the matter until the next meeting and formally disbanding the Armory Commission at that time. Peirce said she felt that would be appropriate, as the building is no longer in use and the commission has “no task in front of them.” Lussier and Selectboard member Julie Davis agreed, and a formal motion to disband the commission will be made at the next meeting. That being the case, the Selectboard did not appoint Pennie Smith to the Armory Commission on Wednesday.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, former state Rep. Denise Andrews expressed her opposition to disbanding the commission. She noted that there is community interest in maintaining the armory for its historical value.

“It’s not just a building, it’s a historic artifact of this country and you cannot decommission history,” Andrews told the Selectboard.

Financial management review

The Selectboard also tasked Fortier with beginning the process of applying to the state for a financial management review. This vote comes about two months after news surfaced that the town had paid $338,000 in fraudulent invoices last fall, leaving Orange in dire financial straits. While the total amount was more than $800,000, Fortier said previously, the banks were able to stop some of the payments.

Davis asked for clarification from Fortier as to how many reviews are available to the town, and Fortier noted “about a dozen” reviews could be done, though he didn’t specify which reviews or what state department would be in charge of the process. However, Fortier did reference a 2004 financial review that was done for Orange by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. That review included a specific list of recommended actions, including paying employees a biweekly wage.

Fortier declined to comment further on Thursday, deferring to Selectboard Chair Tom Smith. When reached Thursday, Tom Smith clarified that because the town is in the early stages of seeking a financial management review, it’s unclear specifically what a review would entail.

Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.