The Conservation Commission held a meeting in the Basement Mural Room of Town Hall on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Members present were Chairman Friend Weiler, Samuel Butcher, Thomas Gill, Anne Hill, and Arthur Vautrain. Brendan Halligan and Mark Mahoney were absent.
CONT'D. PH, DBR, INC., DUXBURY BEACH, SE 18-1198
Representing the applicant were members of the technical committee of the DBR, Inc. Members included Al Vautrinot, Les Smith, Shawn Dahlen, Jim O'Connell, Kay Foster, Margaret Kearney, Daniel Baker and Harbormaster Don Beers. Also present for the public hearing was Leslie Fields of The Woods Hole Group. The Commission reviewed the draft Orders of Conditions prepared by Ms. Fields that addressed the ORV section of the Duxbury Beach Management Plan discussed at the last meeting. Mr. Weiler asked if the applicant would consider closing the front beach in the winter. In review of item #12, it was pointed out that the Gurnet-Saquish property owners have a legal right of access over the Duxbury Beach property at all times. Mr. William Hartigan of the Gurnet-Saquish Association commented that the property owners
have a deeded right-of-way and are subject to the regulations specified by the DBR, Inc. as the landowner of the beach. Mr. Weiler asked that the Commissioners and the applicant review the draft Orders and provide any revisions at the next meeting.
Mr. Les Smith continued his PowerPoint presentation on the Duxbury Beach Management Plan (DBMP) and reviewed the Endangered Species Program at Duxbury Beach. Items discussed included the responsibilities of the endangered species personnel and the bird-monitoring program. Don Beers explained the details of the program with regards to staffing and implementation. The training program for the monitors was discussed and it was reported that Brad Blodgett was hired as a consultant and will be involved with the training program. Mr. Smith also reviewed the experimental habitat area program and its success rate. Mr. Smith reported that the applicant is writing a response to the review letter dated 4/17/03 from Thomas French of the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. He will submit a copy of the
response to the Commission for its record. Mr. Smith reported that the applicant's goal for the endangered species program is to increase the fledging rate and to control predators.
After the presentation, Mr. Weiler listed several items of interest he would like addressed - reporting mechanism, nesting data, and specific dates that annually the Commission would receive data from the applicant. Ms. Molly Bartlett of 52 Crooked Ln. mentioned additional information the Commission may be interested in is a map by Peter Rosen showing all the plover nests on Duxbury Beach over the years and a study by Brian Harrington of the Manomet Center regarding migratory birds and human interactions. She also commented that the DBMP should specify in detail how vehicle access is restricted at night after monitors shifts are over. Mr. Butcher reiterated his concern from the last meeting that the applicant needs to supply written systematic operating procedures for several sections of the Beach Management Plan. He
presented a list of suggested sections of the plan where specific procedures could be included. The applicant agreed to work on the procedures for the next meeting and Ms. Field will draft Orders of Conditions on the issues discussed tonight. Mr. Weiler asked Mr. Smith if he could get copies of some of his presentation slides for the Commission. Mr. Butcher made a motion that was seconded to continue the public hearing to May 13, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
The Conservation Administrator reported that the cost of the fence at Trout Farm had increased by $150 over what the Commission had voted on 2/4/03 because the material for the gateposts was upgraded. Mr. Butcher made a motion that was seconded to amend the vote of 2/4/03 to spend a total of $3,317 from the Conservation Fund for the fence at Trout Farm. The motion passed unanimously.
Dr. Gill made a motion that was seconded to spend $30 from the Conservation Fund for a bike helmet. The motion was passed unanimously.
Mr. Butcher made a motion that was seconded to spend $45.35 from the Conservation Fund for a cellular service for the interns. The motion passed unanimously.
The Commission reviewed the proposed costs for the intern program for summer 2003. Salaries and expenses for fiscal year 2003 was $7,182 and for fiscal year 2004 $7,138. Mr. Vautrain made a motion that was seconded to spend from the Conservation Fund a total of $14,320 for the intern program with $7182 being spent in FY 2003 and $7138 in FY 2004. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Vautrain recommended that the interns keep a logbook of their activities.
Mr. Grady reported that Horsley and Witten will be working on revisions to the Rules & Regulations and asked the Commission to compile a list of issues that should be addressed.
Meeting adjourned at 10 p.m.
| 
