Town of Mashpee
Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes of Meeting
June 11, 2009
Present: Chairman Don Myers, Ed Baker, Rick York, Jim Leonard
Also Present: Assistant Town Manager Rene Read
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order with a quorum at 7:50 p.m. by Chairman Myers.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Motion made by Mr. Baker to approve the minutes of May 14, 2009. Motion seconded by Mr. Leonard. All voted unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS
A public session was hosted by the Environmental Oversight Committee and AECOM to present the company’s plans on how it will conduct the Santuit Pond Study. The kick-off meeting was useful in opening up the line of communication between concerned citizens, the Environmental Oversight Committee and AECOM. Meeting attendees were enthusiastic about the study beginning and look forward to reviewing the results.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Power Alternatives-Solar Energy
Assistant Town Manager Rene Read was present to update the Committee on the town’s efforts in power alternatives. Mr. Read distributed a memo drafted by Tom Mayo who is spearheading the staff level energy committee, a copy of which is attached. Mr. Read noted that a model RFP has been drafted to allow for the installation of solar voltaic panels to be installed on the Senior Center. Funding mechanisms are being considered. Mr. Baker questioned the Alternative Energy Committee’s monthly data collection and inquired about the possibility of delineating the costs at locations other than the Senior Center. Mr. Read responded that information is available for each building but will inquire further about collecting detailed information from within the building. Mr. York added his
support for efforts to reduce costs. The Chair also noted that the Board of Selectmen has authorized the town to negotiate the Cape & Islands Electric Co-Op.
Department of Public Works
Catherine Laurent will attend a future meeting to provide an update.
Mashpee Blue Book
Mr. Read reported that a check has been sent to Marvin Colette to acquire an electronic version of the Blue Book that can be altered to reflect Mashpee content. Mr. Baker indicated that Beverly Kane has expressed interest in being involved when work begins on the Blue Book. Additionally, she would like to contact Cape Tech to discuss the ways in which they could assist with the production of the book. Mr. Myers added that he would like to see Ms. Kane, along with many members of the community, involved with coordinating the Blue Book, including school children. Involving the children in the project will encourage parents to take a closer look at the text. Mr. Baker recommended that information regarding phosphorus, the Land Steward Program and a listing of the town’s assets be added to
the book. Mr. Baker will follow up with Ms. Kane to see if she might be available to attend a future meeting when more information is known about the Blue Book software.
Land Steward Program Update
The Chair and Mr. Baker attended the recent Land Steward Update Meeting. Mr. Baker reported that he felt very positive about the direction of the program. The first newsletter has been issued discussing the mapping of trails and other program updates. The meeting included discussion about illegal dumping and the possibility of adding gates. Although Mr. Baker appreciated reducing illegal dumping, he expressed concern that gates would create limited accessibility to parcels. Mr. Baker recommended use of other deterrent methods such as remote cameras or increased enforcement. Chairman Myers added that the program is more organized and more proactive, including the addition of technology such as “trax sticks” and boundaries being marked with signage. The Chair further
stated that the program’s challenge will be to re-invigorate the volunteer base and stated that 20 volunteers attended the meeting which is a 50% drop in membership from one year ago. Mr. Leonard recommended a monthly report, or updates in the newsletter, regarding the amount and type of trash being collected.
Waterway Commission-Mashpee River Update
Chairman Myers announced that the Board of Selectmen will be scheduling a meeting with the Waterways Commission for an update about their study and proposal to identify any conclusions. Mr. Baker indicated that the project is not just dredging but a marsh restoration. Mr. Baker expressed concern about the Estuary Project being tied to modeling and not addressing the loss of the marshes, sedimentation, loss of navigation and bacterial closures. Previous studies have been inconclusive and Mr. Baker believes that the hydraulic modeling is not associated with the problem and a marsh restoration program would resolve problems such as peak speed in the river. Mr. Baker distributed a DVD which depicts the use of coconut husk fiber rolls in the Harwich River. Mr. Baker felt that building up the sides
of the river, allowing an increase of marsh mussels, would serve as a good filter much like the oysters. Mr. Baker also stated that the initial Popponessett Bay Estuary Report concluded that the Mashpee River shows zero attenuation of the nutrients coming into the estuary whereas 30% attenuation occurred with the Santuit River, which features a marsh in good condition. Mr. York added that 1 million oyster seed are growing well in the area.
Santuit Pond RFP
Mr. Read contacted Karen Paltro, regarding the status of the Textron grant, who responded that the proposals are still under technical and legal review. Mr. Read confirmed that the AECOM contract has been signed and that a copy will be provided to the Committee. Mr. Read will email the contract along with a copy of the presentation to all Committee members.
Action Items
Environmental Education-A new member will be needed. The Chair indicated that a new member should be identified prior to the next meeting, once the Board of Selectmen discusses School Committee membership.
Mashpee River Restoration-Discussed previously
Combine Water-Sewer-Chairman Myers reported that the topic was discussed at the last Board of Selectmen’s meeting and two steps have been identified. The Board of Selectmen will first meet with the Sewer Commission. Second, the Water District Commission will be invited to meet with the Board of Selectmen to discuss the pros and cons in July. Mr. Baker stated that he supported a combined water and sewer activity. A recent newspaper article identified options for combining water/sewer but Mr. Baker felt that the option to have the town establish a water/sewer department with an enterprise account was not considered as an option. The Chair confirmed that all options are being considered.
Natural Fertilizers-No change
Grant Applications- No change
Town-Wide Stormwater Management Plan-A meeting will be scheduled with Ms. Laurent.
Santuit Pond-Discussed previously
Land Steward Program-Discussed previously
Technology Applications-No change
Recycling-The Chair stated that a recent meeting with the study group indicated that all options are being considered and more information is being gathered to present to the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Leonard questioned whether or not the “status quo” was being considered as an option. A discussion ensued regarding increased costs and the Chair confirmed that “status quo” would allow people to buy a sticker and utilize the transfer station for trash removal, but may be modified with a focus on voluntary recycling as a requirement.
Mashpee’s Ponds Water Quality-Being monitored
Textron Funds-Discussed previously
Mashpee Blue Book-Discussed previously
AGENDA ITEMS FOR JULY 9, 2009
Meeting with Catherine Laurent
Mashpee Blue Book-to be listed as a separate item
Mashpee River Update
Santuit Pond Update
Power Alternatives Update
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. York reported that waterways other than Santuit and Mashpee River seem to be in good shape.
The Chair stated that the Committee is looking at a productive year ahead and announced to the public that the Committee is presently seeking new members.
MEETING ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Mr. Leonard to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Motion seconded by Mr. Baker. All voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer M. Clifford
Board Secretary
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