Town of Mashpee
Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes of Meeting
July 9, 2009
Present: Chairman Don Myers, Ed Baker, Jim Leonard, Ted Theis
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order with a quorum at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Myers.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Motion made by Mr. Baker to approve the minutes of June 11, 2009. Motion seconded by Mr. Leonard. All voted unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS
There was no public comment at this time.
MASHPEE BLUE BOOK
Mr. Baker reported that Beverly Kane will serve as a lead agent for the Mashpee Blue Book and is waiting to hear back from the Chair regarding a status update on the electronic file from Orleans because she has begun preliminary work on the document. Ms. Kane expressed concern about communications with the Committee, the plans to not have an August meeting and offered to present Blue Book updates to the Committee if included on the agenda. The Chair responded that at the last meeting it was determined that The Blue Book would be a standing item on the agenda. The Chair confirmed that the town is in receipt of the electronic file but that it is not easily converted to a workable program such as Word or an Adobe product. Further research is being conducted by Rene Read and Dave to determine if the
file can be converted to a Microsoft product or if Orleans needs to be contacted for further information. Mr. Baker indicated that Ms. Kane planned to contact Mr. Read to proceed with The Blue Book. The Chair will follow up with Mr. Read regarding the status on the electronic file. Mr. Leonard added that Nikki Descouteaux, who had previously expressed interest in assisting with The Blue Book, has relocated. Ralph Marcelli has resigned from the School Committee and, therefore, from the Environmental Oversight Committee. Chairman Myers stated that the School Committee has not yet finalized its appointments--including the liaison for the Environmental Oversight Committee who will be necessary to coordinate working on The Blue Book with students and teachers. Before Committee appointments can be made, the appointment for the fifth member of the School Committee is expected to be completed no sooner than August 3.
NEW BUSINESS
August Meeting
The Chair indicated that an August meeting had not been scheduled and that work was to be completed during the second week of the month in the area of the regularly scheduled meetings. It was recommended that meetings not occur during that week to allow for completion of the work on the studio. Mr. Leonard suggested that a meeting be held with Ms. Kane separate from the entire Environmental Oversight Committee to discuss The Blue Book. Mr. Baker felt that a regularly scheduled meeting should occur in August to discuss The Blue Book and other issues such as recycling and the Land Steward Program. The Chair will check with the Town Clerk regarding the possibility of meeting on August 13 or August 20.
OLD BUSINESS
Power Alternatives
Mr. Theis stated that he had mentioned to Town Manager Joyce Mason the name of a company that co-ops installation costs and power usage. The Chair confirmed that purchase power agreements are being considered as an option if it will allow the inclusion of more town buildings. The Chair recommended that Mr. Theis forward the email information he has about the company directly to Ms. Mason. A Committee of town staff members has been meeting to investigate the best power alternatives for the town. Mr. Leonard expressed concern about the Energy Committee not adhering to the open meeting policy and felt that the public should be made more aware of the meetings to discuss the topic. Environmental Oversight Committee members discussed the staff members’ ability to meet during the work
day and their ability to expedite the process of most efficiently spending the $50,000 allotment. The Chair confirmed that the subcommittee’s work will be presented to the Board of Selectmen as a recommendation. Mr. Baker expressed interest in moving forward with renewable energy plans, and expressed concern that no one is expediting the process. Chairman Myers indicated that the town needs to consider energy usage for all buildings and identify the best way to maximize their energy independence before making a final decision. The Chair also noted that the town will be joining the Vineyard Cooperative. Chairman Myers indicated that the Energy Committee’s objective is to get an RFP in place and that the topic will be re-visited in the fall.
Mashpee River Update
Chairman Myers shared a copy of a PowerPoint presentation from a recent Waterways Commission meeting and Mr. Baker expressed disappointment in the presentation. Mr. Baker felt that old information has been rehashed and that unsuccessful practices continue to be utilized. Mr. Baker has submitted his thoughts regarding the report and requested that the document be added to the record, as attached. Primarily, Mr. Baker expressed concern about the usage of the Estuary Project’s computer modeling as a guide which, in his opinion, has little application to the problems that have been identified, such as shellfish closures due to bacteria. Mr. Baker also noted that the grain size analysis of the Mashpee River sediment had been completed previously. Regarding the sediment analysis, the
presentation recommended that the sediment be mixed with sand from dredging projects in an effort to assist spit nourishment. Committee members discussed the difference between marsh islands and marsh front. Mr. Baker also stated that the original decision to dredge was based upon an effort to improve navigation and was different than the problems identified by petitioners. Mr. Baker added that the depth and width could be adjusted to reduce the amount of spoils and Mr. Theis noted that the spoils could be easily spread to replenish the marshes. Mr. Baker emphasized the necessity to keep floating particles in suspension by increasing the peak speed of the river so that particles do not sink to the bottom. Mr. Baker discussed the needs and benefits of the marsh. In Mr. Baker’s opinion, the RMA2 modeling utilized by the Waterways Commission is two dimensional and is not sufficient for a river with different levels and different conditions. Mr. Theis agreed with Mr. Baker and
further stated that a five year study in history is an anomaly. The Chair questioned whether or not Mr. Baker had expressed his concerns to the Waterways Commission, to which Mr. Baker responded that he had without a positive outcome. Mr. Baker suggested that a third party, such as the BSC Group, review the plan suggested by Mr. Baker. Chairman Myers clarified with Mr. Baker that should the information and testing be reviewed for the marsh front proposal, would he be accepting of their conclusions with justification. Mr. Theis indicated that greater interest is not in reviewing the proposal but how to make it work. When asked if the Environmental Oversight Committee might request the review, the Chairman clarified that due process dictates that the Waterways Commission has the responsibility of reviewing the request before reporting to the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Leonard expressed concern about the limited progress being made with the Mashpee
River. Chairman Myers recommended that the Committee’s case be presented to the Waterways Commission for their consideration prior to consideration by the Board of Selectmen. The Chair questioned Mr. Baker’s proposal further regarding the narrow river channel and the possibility of impacting people’s docks. Chairman Myers expressed concern that there may not be sufficient fact and circumstance in Mr. Baker’s proposal to warrant Waterways taking another look. Chairman Myers would like to know why the marsh front proposal was not considered. Mr. Baker responded that DEP representatives reported that the marshes must be productive because they saw fiddler crabs and mussels present. Mr. Theis suggested that the Committee adopt Mr. Baker’s proposal but Chairman Myers questioned how the two proposals differ. Mr. Baker stated that the differences are that Waterways increased the length of dredging requested by the
petitioners and based water quality assessments on the modeling from the Estuary Project. Chairman Myers indicated that the EOC, following due process, could make a recommendation to the Waterways Commission to reconsider the marsh front proposal, attaching Mr. Baker’s proposal. However, the Chair suggested the addition of significant differences of what was previously considered by the Commission. Mr. Theis suggested that, as the Environmental Oversight Committee, consideration of values beyond navigation, such as nitrogen mitigation and/or habitat improvement, might be included in an addendum to support a marsh build-out. Mr. Baker will schedule a time with the Waterways Commission and report back to the Committee.
Santuit Pond Update
Chairman Myers provided copies of the update to be added to the record. Key points from the update include AECOM’s meeting with Massachusetts DEP to avoid duplication of efforts, coordinating sampling practices and site visit documentation. The first sampling is tentatively scheduled for the 20th and efforts are being made to work with the bog operators and volunteers. An updated schedule and scope proposal have been attached and a request has been made to increase the number of ground water samples. It was requested that written summaries be submitted by AECOM for each meeting. Chairman Myers indicated that information was not available regarding the blog that was suggested at the kick-off meeting. The Friends of Santuit Pond had expressed interest in setting up the
blog. The Chair will inquire whether or not a Santuit Pond update might be incorporated into the Mashpee EOC web page.
Action Items
Environmental Education-Awaiting appointment of the School Committee liaison
Mashpee River Restoration-Discussed previously
Combine Water-Sewer-Chairman Myers reported that a meeting occurred with Perry Ellis, the Harbormaster and head of the Water Commission, and expectations were discussed. A Water District meeting has been scheduled for the 25th to discuss the topic further.
Natural Fertilizers-Mr. Theis suggested the possibility of using loam from the Transfer Station to reduce town costs for fertilizer, combining the loam and fertilizer. It was suggested that the idea be discussed with Catherine Laurent.
Grant Applications-Mr. Theis will forward to Chairman Myers the email address of an experienced individual who has volunteered to assist the town with grant proposals.
Town-Wide Stormwater Management Plan-A meeting will be scheduled with Ms. Laurent.
Santuit Pond-Discussed previously
Land Steward Program-The meeting and kick-off event occurred recently, but Chairman Myers will invite Conservation Agent McManus to attend the next meeting to discuss the newly reinvigorated program. Mr. Theis added that he knows of a young veteran, taking environmental courses at Cape Cod Community College, who is seeking a volunteer opportunity.
Technology Applications-No change
Recycling-The Chair stated that recommendations will be presented at the August 3 Board of Selectmen meeting.
Mashpee’s Ponds Water Quality-In process
AGENDA ITEMS FOR AUGUST 13, 2009
Mashpee Blue Book
Update from Beverly Kane
Meeting with Catherine Laurent, Department of Public Works
Stormwater-NESD
Fertilization-Building and Ground Maintenance at Schools
Meeting with Andrew McManus, Conservation Department
Land Steward Program
Enforcement Issues
Santuit Pond Update
Mashpee River Update
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MEETING ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Mr. Baker to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Motion seconded by Mr. Leonard. All voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer M. Clifford
Board Secretary
| 
