Herring River Restoration Project
Technical Committee
Meeting Minutes 12/20/05
Attendees: John Portnoy, Stephen Spear, Hillary Greenberg, Joel Fox,
Andy Koch, Jack Whalen, Carl Breivogel, John Riehl, Gordon Peabody, Diane Murphy, Robert Hubby and Tim Smith.
Chair Gordon Peabody called the meeting to order at 1:10 pm. He stated the objective of this meeting was to make a determination if the Board was ready to go to the Wellfleet Board of Selectmen with a recommendation and determine if the Board could respond to the stakeholders. He stated the Board had a joint meeting on December 12, 2005 with the stakeholders.
Gordon Peabody moved to approve the meeting minutes of November 30, 2005 with amendments; seconded by Joel Fox; passed 10-0.
John Portnoy distributed a revised Tide Height Plot chart.
There were no public comments.
It was agreed to isolate the technical questions that have no answers at this time. There was discussion regarding the level of incremental opening of the river. Hillary Greenberg did not feel the Board should review each concern of the stakeholders at this time, but to concentrate on making a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen, if the Board felt it was ready to move forward. John Portnoy stated the Board has considered all the stakeholders issues. Joel Fox stated concerns and issues will change as the increments of the water level increases. Stephen Spear stated the stakeholders will want to be assured there is protection for the 100 year flood level. Gordon Peabody stated the Board can make a projection on the Pole Dike area (culvert on Route 6) and the property is not owned by
the National Seashore; however, the culverts could be enlarged. He pointed out this area of land was not included in the original plan.
The MOU was reviewed and it was determined it was not up to the Board to make a plan until after the Board of Selectmen make a decision on the Boards recommendation.
The Board reviewed questions the stakeholders had presented. The Board felt many of the questions would be answered or eliminated if the stakeholders reviewed the “29 most asked questions” developed by John Portnoy. Gordon Peabody suggested the Board come up with a synopsis, write up a recommendation for the Board of Selectmen, and then respond to the stakeholder issues. It was agreed the management plan will be broad. The Board cannot answer questions until after a recommendation is made to the Board of Selectmen.
Discussion took place regarding the wording for the recommendation and the synopsis, as well as what materials should be included with the package to the BOS. Robert Hubby and John Portnoy will draft technical questions / answers. The Board voted unanimously on the type of information they felt was important for the recommendation to the Board of Selectmen.
Hillary Greenberg will provide the finished “recommendation for the MOU” as well as retype the frequently asked questions.
John Riehl moved the recommendation be accepted by the committee as drafted and seconded by Joel Fox ; passed 12-0. The Board discussed additional materials to be included with the package. Diane Murphy will provide a bibliography.
The next meeting is scheduled for January 3, 2006 at 1:00 pm at the Wellfleet Library. Board members are welcome to meet at the Yacht Club at 11:00 am for a tour.
Joel Fox moved to adjourn at 3:45 pm; seconded by Jack Whalen; passed 12-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Bates
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