AGENDA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MONDAY, APRIL 5, 2010
6:30 p.m. - Convene Meeting – Conference Room 1 – Mashpee Town Hall
MINUTES
Approval of the following:
Monday, March 22, 2010 Regular and Executive Sessions
APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS
6:30 Public Comment
Executive Session - Land Acquisition
6:45 DPW Director
- Proposed Trail – Shoestring Bay
- Great Neck Road North Project
- Field Usage Fees
COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE
1) VFW Housing Project Subcommittee
2) Proposal for Wireless Telecommunications Facility
3) Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Conservation & Recreation
4) Dog Park - Formation of Subcommittee Discussion
OLD BUSINESS
1) Update from Pay-as-you-Throw Subcommittee
NEW BUSINESS
1) Execution of Annual Election Warrant
2) Breezy Acres Project
- Request for Easement Breezy Acres Project
- Review Confirmatory Deed
- Sprinklers
MMR ISSUES
ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
April 5, 2010
Present: Selectman Myers, Selectman Cook,
Selectman Cahalane, Selectmen Richardson
Town Manager Joyce Mason
Absent: Selectman Taylor
Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Myers at 6:30 p.m.
Town Hall, Conference Room #1
MINUTES:
Monday, March 22, 2010 Regular and Executive Sessions:
The minutes were amended on page 20 to correct the last motion to read: 3-0.
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to approve the Regular and
Executive Session minutes of Monday, March 22, 2010 as amended.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cook.
VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0.
APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS:
Public Comment: None at this time.
APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS:
DPW Director:
Proposed Trail – Shoestring Bay:
The Board of Selectmen at their February 22, 2010 meeting approved the request of Rhiannon Maher, a Mashpee High School student to create a footpath from Ash Street to Shoestring Bay for her senior project. The path was to be located on property of which the Town of Mashpee has an easement that would allow access to the Bay.
Several neighborhood residents have raised concerns over the project with respect to misuse of the property, responsibility for repair of the private roads, and the lack of parking for the intended users. A plan of the neighborhood of discussion was provided in the Selectmen’s informational packet for additional review. The roads are noted to be very narrow and currently the small roadways end at the respective private driveways. With regards to parking, the Town has ownership of two small parcels on Ash Street which could be utilized as a small parking area. An estimate to construct a small gravel parking area was provided by the DPW Director. It is estimated to cost $1000 for materials and an additional $1000 in DPW labor to complete the project if approved by the
Board of Selectmen. It was noted the original proposal did not have a provision for a parking lot, and at the time of approval, it was not the Town’s intent to bring forth additional traffic to the area.
The Selectmen related concern with regards to budgetary constraints, and gave consideration to the individual proposing the footpath to possibly raise private funds to provide for the construction of a new parking area.
Upon further review, the Selectmen agreed to defer the matter to the Town Planner. The issue will return as an agenda topic of discussion.
In support of Ms. Maher’s senior project, the Selectmen indicated they would offer assistance to ensure this obstacle will not inhibit Ms. Maher’s senior project and credit due for her efforts to create a footpath trail to Shoestring Bay.
APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS:
DPW Director:
Great Neck Road North Project:
At the March 8, 2010 meeting the Selectmen reviewed preliminary plans relative to the Great Neck Road North Road construction project. The Selectmen requested the DPW Director review the potential of widening the road on each side to accommodate 4’ bike lanes. At the meeting, there was discussion regarding constructing a 5’ sidewalk versus an 8’ wide sidewalk/bike path. The cost to construct a 5” sidewalk can be accomplished with the use of Chapter 90 road funds. A wider path would require easements and the use of additional Town funds.
Catherine Laurent, the Director of Public Works reported that widening the road would necessitate extensive re-grading. It would also be essential to relocate several utility poles and construct retaining walls to secure the sloped areas. The road may be widened in some locations, but not to a sufficient width to accommodate bike lanes.
Motion made by Selectman Richardson to move forward with a 5’ sidewalk on Great Neck Road North based upon the DPW Director’s investigation.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cook.
VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0.
DPW Director:
Field Usage Fees:
As a result of increased maintenance costs, the DPW and Recreation Department has recommended the Selectmen adopt a new fee schedule for the use of the fields at Heritage Park. The fee schedule as recommended is as follows;
½ day day week
per field per field per field
Mashpee Youth $0 $0 $0
League
Non-profit $25 $50 $150
For profit $50 $100 $300
Mashpee Youth Leagues are required to reimburse the Town for use of the dumpster, portable restroom facilities and field lights. There is also an additional charge to paid users for the use of the field lighting. Field users are also required to sign a waiver of liability. The fee schedule and justification thereof was remitted to the Selectmen in a memorandum from the DPW Director dated March 30, 2010. Revenue from the field usage fees will be deposited in the Town’s general fund.
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to accept the Heritage Park Field Usage Fee Schedule as outlined.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cook.
VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE:
VFW Housing Project Subcommittee:
The Board agreed to form a subcommittee comprised of Selectmen members Wayne Taylor and Mike Richardson to work with the Mashpee VFW organization and Town Counsel on the future Veterans’ affordable housing project.
Proposal for Wireless Telecommunications Facility:
The Selectmen reviewed correspondence received from Centerline Communications LLC dated January 27, 2010 regarding their interest in developing with the Town, a wireless telecommunications facility on property located at 101 Red Brook Road, Mashpee. The proposal would require a lease agreement with Centerline for the ground space needed to construct the facility. The site is described as a 150’ monopole. The leased area would be 75’ x 75’ to include fencing in a 50’ x 50’ compound area. Centerline would assume the management of the proposed tower and costs associated to site development and construction.
Discussion followed with respect to the South Mashpee site and concerns regarding the use of the Fire Substation location.
It was agreed that Selectman Richardson would further review this proposal in conjunction with other potential alternatives with the IT Director and report back to the full Board of Selectmen.
APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS:
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Conservation & Recreation:
Communication was received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) dated March 26, 2010 relative to the Town’s intent to obtain approval at the May town Meeting to auction off certain tax title properties that lie within the boundaries of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge.
The DCR has requested the Selectmen remove the parcel identified as 147 Lovell’s Lane (Map 44, Block 2) from the list of properties to be auctioned.
For clarification, the Board explained the article which appears on the May warrant authorizes the Selectmen to return the properties acquired through tax foreclosure and held for conservation purposes to the Town for the purpose of disposition and sale in an effort to increase the Town’s revenue stream. The article as it is written simply removes the properties from conservation, and grants the Selectmen authorization for further action.
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE:
Dog Park – Formation of Subcommittee Discussion:
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the proposal received from the Mashpee Dog Park Committee (MDPC) dated March 16, 2010 relative to the establishment of an off-leash recreation area or dog park within existing Town of Mashpee property.
It is recommended a multi-park facility be created on 2 – 3 acres of land with adequate parking to encompass a recreational trail to satisfy dog owners and non-dog owners with other amenities such as shade, signage, benches, dog exercise equipment and running water if feasible. At this time, the mission of the dog park is to promote responsible dog ownership and safe, legal, off-leash recreation in Mashpee. The conceptual plan depicts an established fenced area to exercise the animal’s off-leash in a clean and safe environment.
It is anticipated the development of the dog park and its improvements and amenities will be funded through private donations, grants and fund raising events.
The Selectmen agreed to form a subcommittee comprised of Selectmen members Theresa Cook and Mike Richardson to assist the project volunteers toward the implementation of this proposal. A full report will be presented to the Board of Selectmen.
OLD BUSINESS:
Update from Pay-As-You-Throw Subcommittee:
Recommendations from the Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) subcommittee prioritize educating residents on the benefit and ease of recycling. The PAYT subcommittee requested the Selectmen’s approval to allow for a ten minute presentation prior to the start of the Annual Town Meeting to discuss the beneficial components of recycling and to promote awareness of the budgetary climate and upcoming contract renewal with SEMASS for the disposal of waste.
It was determined the information would be disseminated to the Selectmen at their April 26th meeting for additional review. To allow the presentation to move forward, it is necessary for the PAYT subcommittee to obtain approval from the Town Moderator.
NEW BUSINESS:
Execution of Annual Election Warrant:
Motion made by Selectman Cook to approve and execute the Annual Election Warrant of May 8, 2010.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0.
NEW BUSINESS:
Breezy Acres Project:
Review of Confirmatory Deed:
Adrianne Danner of the Housing Assistance Corporation was in attendance with Leila Botsford, the Mashpee Housing Authority Executive Director to recommend the Selectmen approve an amendment to the Confirmatory Deed relative to the Breezy Acres expansion project.
The deed currently mentions the type of housing is limited to “public housing units.” The expansion of units will be “low or moderate incoming housing under State law”, and not specifically public housing units.
The amendment to the Confirmatory Deed will complete the project eligibility review and allow for the filing of the Comprehensive Permit with the Mashpee Board of Appeals. The amendment of the proposed deed has been reviewed and approved by Town Counsel to form.
Discussion followed with respect to the original development agreement. Although the Housing Assistance Corporation was noted to have an email of approval from the MA Housing Partnership, the Selectmen requested affirmation of the amendment in writing from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to allow the amendment to the Confirmatory Deed between the Town and Mashpee Housing Authority subject to Town Counsel’s review of the original contract between the Town and State.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cook.
VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0.
Breezy Acres:
Request for Easement Breezy Acres Project:
The Mashpee Housing Authority in conjunction with the Housing Assistance Corporation has requested the Selectmen review the possibility of placing an easement of 1.5 acres of abutting Town-owned land to allow for the septic calculation to enable the development of the Breezy Acres.
As part of the agreement to construct 10 units of additional affordable housing at the Breezy Acres community, a shared septic system with a design flow of 4,400 gallons per day will be built to service the new homes and replace the existing failed septic system being used by the existing dwellings. The system is within a Zone II wellhead protection area and inside the watershed to Waquoit Bay, a nitrogen sensitive estuary. Representation from the Horsley Witten Group discussed a proposed easement plan required by the Department of Environmental Protection.
It is necessary to obtain an easement of 1.5 acres adjacent to Breezy Acres restricting future discharges from septic systems, fertilizers and road run-off. A grant of an easement will allow the project to move forward with permitting on schedule. Without the easement, the project will remain in a standstill. Since the May warrant has been published, it is necessary to place an article on the October 2010 Town Meeting warrant to request voter approval of an easement.
The Selectmen reviewed the plan of the Breezy Acres development and reviewed possible adjacent areas for the easement. In addition to the abutting high school property, there is municipal land on the eastern side which would also accommodate a deed restriction of 1.5 acres.
Upon review, it was agreed the Town Planner would be consulted with respect to this regard. The matter will appear as a future agenda topic of discussion.
Breezy Acres:
Sprinklers:
The topic of residential fire sprinklers relative to the Breezy Acres expansion project was deferred at this time.
ENVIROMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE:
The report relative to the Santuit Pond Preliminary Study is scheduled to be the main topic of discussion at the April 8th meeting of the Environmental Oversight Committee.
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE:
RFP – Solar Photovoltaic Project:
It was reported the Town has not receive any bids in response to the Request for Proposal for the Town Hall and Senior Center solar photovoltaic projects. It was suggested a change in the scope of services be developed.
Dedication of New Mashpee Public Library:
The dedication of the new Library was held on April 2, 2010. An Open House followed the Dedication of the two-story 20,880 square foot facility deemed a leader in energy and environmental design.
Joint Meeting:
The Selectmen have scheduled a joint meeting with members of the Community Preservation Act Committee on Monday, April 12, 2010.
Adjournment:
Motion made by Selectman Cook to adjourn at 7:28 p.m.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen M. Soares
Secretary to the Board of Selectmen
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