Town of Mashpee
Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes of Meeting
August 13, 2009
Present: Chairman Don Myers, Ed Baker, Mary Waygan
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order with a quorum at 7:28 p.m. by Chairman Myers.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Motion made by Mr. Baker to approve the minutes of July 9, 2009. Motion seconded by Ms. Waygan. Two members voted to approve the minutes and Ms. Waygan abstained.
COMMUNICATIONS
There was no public comment at this time.
MASHPEE BLUE BOOK
Beverly Kane reported that, although she was in receipt of a copy of the Blue Book disc, the document was not editable because the graphics were created using “InDesign” software. After speaking with the original graphic designer who assisted with the document in Orleans, it was noted that the software used is very specific and expensive to purchase at $700. Ms. Kane and Mr. Baker have been able to convert the PDF text of the document back into a Word document using a free conversion program, which will allow the text to be edited. However, the graphics from the document creates a greater challenge since the graphics are in two separate layers. It was suggested that the current image could be deleted and the graphic be reproduced. Committee members discussed using Publisher or
Word to recreate the graphic images.
Ms. Kane noted that all of the copyrights have been cleared and after reviewing the document chapter by chapter, she determined that there would be some chapters needing more updates than others. Chapter 1 will require many edits to convert it to Mashpee specific information. Chapters 2-5 will require less edits and Chapter 6 may require new graphics, possibly contributions from the schools. Chapters 7-9 address educational issues regarding private property and impact on the environment and Ms. Kane recommends that they be combined as one chapter with new graphics added. Committee members were in agreement that the chapters be combined. Chapters 10-13 will also require some edits. Committee members discussed the possibility of adding chapters, such as Rick York’s shellfish
program, that would be unique in Mashpee. Ms. Waygan recommended a chapter that would educate residents about the unique opportunities available in Mashpee as well as the ways in which residents can assist with environmental efforts. Committee members were in agreement that they wish to include a chapter regarding the availability of open space and include information about the Land Steward Program. Ms. Kane added the possibility of including a map highlighting protected land and noting that Mashpee, at 33%, has the highest percentage of protected land on Cape Cod. Information about guided tours and access points could also be added. More information about the beaches, and sun care for the individual could be included in Chapter 11. Ms. Kane recommended avoiding extensive use of technical terms, staying within the current 56 page framework and providing contact information, such as websites, for anyone interested in more details.
The Chair also added the importance of making the publication available online as soon as possible as the first avenue of distribution, and possibly while still in the editing process. A final decision has not yet been received concerning the request for a $30,000 grant from the Textron Funds to assist with the costs of the book. In September, Ms. Kane plans to schedule a meeting with Harwich Technical School to learn more about specific details such as the necessary format of the document and the cost of producing the book. Ms. Kane noted that the cost to produce the Orleans book was $2.00 each, and does not include the cost of mailing the book. Ms. Kane also emphasized the importance of making the guide available to every household in town. Ms. Kane expressed interest in moving forward with
the project, and is seeking input from Environmental Coalition volunteers and others. Ms. Waygan inquired about using Ms. Kane’s earlier primers and she responded she would like to incorporate some of the information. Ms. Kane suggested that any title could be used for the Mashpee Blue Book and that the Committee should consider seeking feedback from the Chamber of Commerce or from the schools. The Chair will contact Ted Theis who volunteered to speak with Chamber members about the possibility of naming the book. The Chair expressed some concern about lag time if the Chamber names the book too far in advance of the final product. It was suggested that the cover photo depict an image of the Mashpee River or student artwork. The Chair announced that the School Committee has not yet made any appointments but that more information would be available within the next two weeks. Ralph Marcelli had been a strong supporter of encouraging the
schools’ involvement in the Blue Book and the Chair noted that could include the high school environmental group, students completing their senior projects and younger artistic students.
Ms. Kane anticipates working first on Chapters 1, 7, 8 and 9 and the Shellfish Chapter since they will require the most work. Ms. Kane plans to work chapter by chapter, sharing each chapter electronically to solicit feedback. The Committee discussed a timeline for the electronic version and agreed that, in consideration of the school and Town Meeting calendar, October 2010 may be a realistic timeframe.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Waygan referenced the Town Wide Stormwater Management Plan from the Action Items and noted that the last two Planning Board meetings included discussion with Charles Rowley regarding incorporating low impact development standards into Planning Board documents, such as the Sub-Division Regulations. Mr. Baker expressed concern about the lack of Road Specifications that apply to the update and repair of town roads or private roads taken over by the town. The Chair responded that Catherine Laurent and Mr. Rowley were working toward creating uniformity between Planning Board Specifications and Town Specifications for town owned roads. Mr. Baker also expressed concern about the Best Management Practices for stormwater control, and the continued use of cisterns such as the Lantern Lane project. Ms.
Kane expressed frustration regarding the time it has taken to come to an agreement about the Specifications. The Chair will follow up to confirm that an agreement has been reached about the Town Specifications.
Regarding the NPDES application, the Chair confirmed that the town had not yet received a form from the state. Ms. Kane responded that a report was supposed to be submitted in May 2009. The Chair understood that nothing has been filed because the new form has not been released.
OLD BUSINESS
Land Steward Program
The Chair stated that correspondence has been sent from Agent McManus. However, the Chair has not yet received additional information regarding the levels of participation and whether the re-invigorated program has seen improvement. Mr. Baker added that a meeting is scheduled for September 1 with Michael Talbott to discuss invasive species. No newsletter was released in July. Mr. Baker reported that volunteers have not been visiting the parcels and he expressed concern that the volunteers have been alienated. Mr. Baker described the early stages of the program, when it was initiated by The Environmental Coalition, and when there were 45 volunteers assisting. Mr. Baker further noted that 19 reports were submitted last year but is unaware of the total number of reports submitted this
year. Mr. Baker expressed frustration at the need to divide larger parcels, the lack of follow up and coordination and the lack of enforcement of ATV activity. Mr. Baker recommended that a half time person be re-hired and responsible only for the Land Steward Program, following up with the volunteers to ensure that the parcels are being monitored. The Chair will attempt to have Agent McManus attend a meeting and he will also contact Town Manager, Joyce Mason.
Santuit Pond Update
See attached Monthly Report submitted by AECOM Environment.
Mr. Baker questioned the request to change the sampling to allow usage of Rick York’s testing and the schedule to complete the testing by January 2010. The Chair confirmed that the Town Manager responded to the request affirmatively. Mr. Baker also questioned whether or not resumes had been received from the two new members that were not included in the approved technical proposal. Regarding the use of Mr. York’s data, Mr. Baker expressed concern about using information which they do not yet have in their hands. Ms. Waygan added that if someone was hired to do a job using someone else’s data, it limits the authority over how the sampling was conducted. Ms. Waygan expressed concern that it may not be a savings if AECOM does not get the data needed. The Chair confirmed
that the scope of responsibility has not changed but the request was an effort to determine what data was currently available and whether or not it could be used. Mr. Baker requested a copy of the Quality Assurance Work Plan. Committee members further expressed concern about the use of DEP’s in-lake sampling due to the fact that testing has been previously delayed because of other priorities. Committee members were in agreement that reliance on other parties conducting testing is a concern and the Chair noted that a contingency would be needed to ensure that AECOM would follow through with the testing. Ms. Waygan added that multiple testing that confirms results are acceptable and significant delays could be worse than any savings. Mr. Baker suggested that AECOM be advised that the catch basins referred to in the Update were installed 6 months ago.
Mashpee River Update
Mr. Baker attended the recent Waterways Commission to offer his presentation regarding alternatives for the Mashpee River. Mr. Baker reported that the Commission determined that they wish to try their ideas involving the dredging of the 1916 Channel in Popponesset Bay and attempt to blend the dredge spoils from the mouth of the Mashpee River. Mr. Baker was able to discuss only the first page of his presentation (see attached) in the 10 minutes allotted to him. The Chair confirmed that the RFP for the 1912 Channel and Mashpee River mouth dredging is due back by August 14. The Commission wishes to evaluate the results of the RFP. The Chair has inquired if, by the October meeting, the Waterways Commission will have a conclusion available based on their initial presentation and proposal.
Mr. Baker noted that the Commission should be questioned about the sediment analyses of the mouth of the Mashpee River and feasibility of blending the 1916 spoils. Committee members discussed Mr. Baker’s proposal to add to the marsh front in order to improve water quality as done in Harwich at the Herring River. The Chair questioned the results of the scenario testing to which Mr. Baker responded that the RMA 4 water quality model, a 2-dimension model, is not applicable to a stratified water body such as the Mashpee River and does not consider marsh loss, condition and bacterial issues. Mr. Baker added that there is a combination of issues that require addressing. The Chair concluded that the Waterways Commission study indicates that the effect of dredging on water quality is negligible as measured by nitrogen content.
Mr. Baker announced that NOAA will be opening a grant program with an annual budget of $10 million, with $500,000-$1 million being awarded to individual organization projects geared toward habitat restoration. The deadline for the application is September 30, 2009.
Action Items
Environmental Education-Awaiting appointment of the School Committee liaison
Mashpee River Restoration-Awaiting decision from Waterways Commission
Combine Water-Sewer-Chairman Myers reported that the Water District Commissioners have met and have agreed to future participation with the Town and Sewer Commission when additional results are available from Stearns and Wheler.
Natural Fertilizers-No change
Grant Applications-No change
Town-Wide Stormwater Management Plan-A meeting will be scheduled with Ms. Laurent.
Santuit Pond-The study is progressing.
Land Steward Program-No change
Recycling-The Chair stated that more information was being gathered and will be made available to the Board of Selectmen in mid-September.
Mashpee’s Ponds Water Quality-In process
AGENDA ITEMS FOR SEPTEMBER 10, 2009
Mashpee Blue Book
Update from Beverly Kane
Meeting with Catherine Laurent, Department of Public Works
Meeting with Andrew McManus, Conservation Department
Santuit Pond Update
Mashpee River Update
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Brian Everett, in attendance at the meeting, is a volunteer who will assist AECOM in their sampling. Mr. Everett will be meeting with AECOM representatives soon to discuss more details about the samples he will collect. Mr. Everett has a degree in Natural Resource Studies and is employed with the Natural Resources Team of the Massachusetts National Guard.
It was also noted that responses from cranberry bog farmers indicated that one is not using fertilizer and the other is utilizing BMP. The Santuit Friends blog, suggested at the initial meeting, is still under consideration.
MEETING ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Mr. Baker to adjourn the meeting at 9:46 p.m. Motion seconded by Ms. Waygan. All voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer M. Clifford
Board Secretary
Attachments
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