Herring River Restoration Project
Technical Committee
Meeting Minutes 10/26/05
Attendees: John Portnoy, Tim Smith, Stephen Spear, Hillary Greenberg,
Joel Fox, Andy Koch, Diane Murphy, Jack Whalen, Carl Breivogel, John Riehl, Gordon Peabody
Regrets: Truman Henson, Robert Hubby, George Heufelder, Ralph Kunkel
Chair Gordon Peabody called the meeting to order at 1:38.
Carl Brievogel moved to approve the October 12, 2005 meeting minutes with amendments; seconded by Joel Fox; passed 11-0.
Peabody asked if there were any public comments, there was no response.
John Portnoy gave a presentation on Tide Heights which included the following:
· A history of the construction of the dike
· An overview of the total acreage of the Herring River Floodplain
· A comparison of current tide heights with the existing conditions, the river with the dike fully open, and the river with a 30 m wide culvert
Helen Miranda Wilson handed out information on Open Meeting Laws and Conflict of Interest. Chair Peabody stated Conflict of Interest would be on the next agenda for discussion.
Chair Peabody reported he went to the Stakeholders meeting on October 24, 2005. A memo dated 10/25/05 from the Stakeholders Committee was distributed with their issues and concerns. Peabody also took informal notes which were distributed and included issues he felt the technical committee would be able to address. Peabody stated he felt it important to address some of the stakeholders issues, and that the committee needs to address facts versus opinions.
Helen Miranda Wilson stated she felt it important to address the stakeholders issues, make a decision if the project is feasible, and then make a presentation to the Board of Selectmen. She also stated the mosquito control committee should have a meeting with the technical committee.
There was discussion regarding storms and controlling flooding. Portnoy stated the proposed new design of the dyke would help to control any flooding. Tim Smith stated Earthtech produced a plan of the floodplain and identified all structures and developed survey data on septic systems. Portnoy recommended the technical committee review the survey map to make sure it is complete and to make sure any additional properties would not be affected by normal flooding or the 100 year flood zone.
Carl Breivolgal expressed concern regarding salinity levels in the Herring River and the potential for damage to trees and shrubs. There was discussion regarding clearing out the trees and shrubs in the estuaries. Peabody and Portnoy stated there will be small increments of seawater introduced to the marshes. John Riehl asked about access to the various areas and wanted to be certain there will be access in the future. Stephen Spear made the point that an active restoration re-establishes meanders, pools, etc. to speed restoration.
Peabody asked the members of the committee to answer the stakeholders questions the best they could with their technical expertise. Based on the committee’s technical expertise, some of the questions can be answered immediately.
The agenda for the November 9 meeting will include:
· Meeting Minutes
· Public Comments
· John Portnoy presentation: Sedimentation
· Discussion on Conflict of Interest
· Review/discuss stakeholder questions
· Preparation for planning next Meeting Minutes 02/23/05
Peabody asked the Committee if there were any further questions / comments.
· Hillary Greenberg stated she would check with the Town regarding getting information on the WEB.
· Diane Murphy stated she would have liked more time to discuss the presentation.
· Hillary Greenberg would like to delay getting back to the stakeholders until the committee has had an opportunity to review all the information and come away with clear, concise answers.
· Gordon Peabody stated he feels it is important the stakeholders feel they are a part of the program and the technical committee requires their support.
· Stephen Spear feels the more information the stakeholders receive, the better understanding of the project they will have and recommended the stakeholders be aware of our meetings if they want to attend the presentations (or make the information available to them).
Helen Miranda Wilson requested each Selectman receive a copy of the approved meeting minutes.
Gordon Peabody moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:10 pm; seconded by John Portnoy, passed 11-0.
Respectfully submitted
Christine Bates, Committee Secretary
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