BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING APRIL 23, 2002
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Mr. John Tuffy, Chairman, Ms. Elizabeth Sullivan, Mr. Andre Martecchini and Mr. Rocco Longo, Town Manager.
OPEN FORUM
Mrs. Mary Lampert of 148 Washington Street asked the Board of Selectmen to join in sponsoring a forum on Emergency Planning with the Duxbury Board of Health and Duxbury Nuclear Advisory Committee in May. Mrs. Lampert suggested the forum could be held the second or third week of May. A sample letter to pertinent agencies and departments requesting their participation in the forum was distributed to the Board and Town Manager.
Mr. Tuffy suggested Mrs. Lampert schedule time to talk about it at a future meeting. Mr. Tuffy also noted there is a drill planned on 5/22 and suggested the forum be held after feedback from the exercise is made available.
Mr. Martecchini felt it was a good idea. The more we talk about it, the better it is. He further noted that some people have misconceptions. Ms. Sullivan expressed reservations due to the timing of the Forum being planned so close to the exercise. Mrs. Barbara Pye reiterated the need for preparedness and urged the Board to participate.
Mr. Tuffy requested the subject be put on next week’s agenda. Mr. Longo will contact the Fire Chief and Board of Health Agent for feedback.
SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE GRANT HEARING – Arthur W. Bennett
Mr. Arthur W. Bennett told the Board he has applied for a 3 acre area in which to grow American Oysters. He will start with approximately 500,000 8-12 millimeter seed purchased from a local, certified nursery. The seed will be contained in approximately 200 3/16 inch ADPI bags. The bags will be laid flat on the bottom for the first growing season. At the end of the season the larger oysters will be planted directly onto the bottom of the lease site while the smaller oysters will remain in the bags. He plans to repeat this process annually, using one third of the acreage, as oysters are a three year crop.
The proposed lease site is located approximately half way between channel buoys number 20 and 22 approximately 1000 feet to the East. The area is well beyond the established mooring field. Mr. Bennett stated he has inspected the area for the presence of wild shellfish and aquatic vegetation and found no significant amount of either. As a long time commercial fisherman, Mr. Bennett stated that he knows of no historical shellfishing in the proposed area.
He further noted that he is familiar with the Federal, State and Local regulations pertaining to shellfish aquaculture and will comply with all of these regulations.
Mr. Donald Beers, Harbormaster, informed the Board that navigation is not a concern. With bags versus cages there should be no problems. A letter from James T. Pye, Chairman of the Shellfish Advisory Committee stating the Committee recommended favorable action by the Board of Selectmen on this application was also submitted.
Mr. Martecchini suggested it might be helpful to keep a running map to keep track of the 8 existing and 13 pending licenses. Mr. Beers indicated this is currently being done and will furnish the Board with a chart that will help them to understand what the grants look like.
The Board voted favorably to approve the Shellfish Aquaculture Grant for Arthur William Bennett, Jr. in terms of concept and location.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE PROM WEEKEND
Marsha McCarthy and Jean Mark requested the Selectmen endorse the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Committee’s efforts to make Duxbury a safe place for children by agreeing to support the Alcohol and Drug Free Prom Weekend scheduled on May 17th at 12:00 midnight until May 20th at 6:00 a.m. Mr. Tuffy commended the Committee for their efforts.
Ms. McCarthy noted that green ribbons will be placed on Town Buildings that weekend and asked that citizens of Duxbury keep their porch light on. She also indicated they are planning the first annual Grad Night on June 1st at the Middle School. There will be activities, food, music and prizes.
The Board voted favorably to support the Alcohol and Drug Free Prom Weekend as presented.
Business
Town Manager’s Brief
The Board of Selectmen/Town Manager’s Office is now located in the “Old Town Hall”. The former office is being prepared for Building/Inspectional Services. Employees working around the area are allowed to leave the building if the odor becomes too strong.
As of 12:00 today, 472 Duxbury Beach Dog Permits have been issued. Mr. Longo noted that last week the Beach was at full capacity and tickets were issued.
A dress rehearsal took place today at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in preparation for a drill planned on May 22, 2002. There were a few glitches, however overall it went rather well.
Bay Road is now just weeks away from completion. Testing is being done on grinder pumps. Leaching fields will be tested soon.
The Washington Street project, (cleaning the lining of water pipes), has begun. Work will begin at the Halls Corner end so as not to effect the parade. Temporary mains will be installed. There will be no charge for water during that time.
On 4/29/02 a discussion on the Baywide Management Plan will take place. Joe Grady, Conservation Administrator and Heather Durant, Intern will give a presentation about resources. This discussion ties into action take at Town Meeting. Ideas regarding raising money for a study will be discussed as well.
Mr. Longo anticipates the Dispatchers and DPW contracts will be ready for signature next week.
Kristin Andrews, COA Director will be out for approximately 30 days. Donna Pizura is taking her place. A mini team will be created to see that everything gets done. The Food Service Manager started yesterday.
Annual Walk for Disabilities – Road to Responsibility, Inc.
Mr. Dan Kostreva, Road to Responsibility, Inc. requested the Board of Selectmen grant approval for their third annual Walk for Disabilities on Saturday, May 18, 2002. Mr. Tuffy noted that recommendations from Chief DeLuca and Don Beers, Harbormaster stated their departments have no objections the granting of this request.
The Board voted favorably to approve the Annual Walk for Disabilities to be held on May 18, 2002 at 9:00 a.m.
Minutes 4/9/02
The Board voted favorably to approve the minutes of 4/9/02.
Mr. Martecchini requested the Sidewalk Committee be added to the May 13, 2002 agenda to discuss their future plans.
Mr. Martecchini also requested Mr. Longo provide a status on when the transfer of electric lines to new utility poles will take place on Chestnut Street.
The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
Karen McCann
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