NRAB Minutes August 19, 2002
Attending- Glenn Shields, Paul Conor, Doug Franklin, John Riehl
Excused: Lezli Rowell
Also Present: Bill Walton, Emily Beebe, Rex Peterson, Suzanne Thomas, Mike May
The meeting considered the advantages or not to the town of Wellfleet of having a certified Harbor Management Plan (HMP) in accordance with 301 CMR 23.00.
The advantages seen were that the certification represented a good planning process, with defined deadlines for the town, that might lead to a better chance of getting state funding for harbor projects. The disadvantages that have been foreseen - loss of local control - was felt to be an issue at the stage of pursuing funding any proposal; this would arise whether or not a certified plan existed.
A motion was made and seconded that the NRAB recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the Town of Wellfleet proceed with a certified Harbor Management plan, in accordance with 301 CMR 23.00.
The motion carried, 4 - 0.
The meeting then considered the establishment of a Harbor Planning Group, also in accordance with 301 CMR 23.00. This group had been proposed by Beebe and Walton, memo to the Board of Selectmen, 7 /12 /2002.
The meeting felt that the advantages of this group - a mix of volunteers and staff with all the town's key stakeholders represented - outweighed the disadvantage of its size.
A motion was made and seconded that NRAB recommend to the BOS that a Harbor
Planning Group (HPG) be established for the Town of Wellfleet, consistent with 301 CMR 23.00, consisting of:
-all the members of the NRAB
- the Harbor Master
- the Shellfish Constable
- the Health / Conservation Agent
- the Beach Administrator
- a representative from the Planning Board
- the Asst. Town Administrator, as Chairperson
The motion carried, 4 - 0.
It was noted that the HPG could invite other participants as needed, specifically a representative from the DPW. It was also noted that the HPG was a worthwhile initiative, even if the town decided not to proceed with a certified HMP. The question was raised, considering the scope of the HPG, whether the Town had an emergency plan for the harbor (such as an oil spill, large scale beaching of mammals, etc.). Mr. Peterson agreed to find out whether a formal emergency plan currently existed for the harbor.
Ms. Beebe and Mr. Walton discussed their ideas for an ACEC Plan for Wellfleet Harbor:
- this would be a major long-term effort, while the HMP was more likely upgraded sooner;
- the HMP must be consistent with the ACEC;
- the ACEC would include the whole watershed, including the Herring River and Gull Ponds complex;
- the ACEC process would directly involve a broad group, including representatives from the CCNS, Mass. Audubon-Wellfleet, and the Towns of Truro and Eastham;
- a proposal for funding the ACEC process has been submitted.
Mr. Riehl agreed to see if the 1995 HMP could be transferred to CDs for ease of upgrading.
The first meeting of the HPG and the next meeting of the NRAB would take place sequentially on Thursday, September 5, 2002, 4pm, at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
John Riehl Vote to accept minutes by NRAB, Dec. 3, 2002.
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