NRAB Minutes January 23 2012
Ø Meeting called to order 7.05 pm. Ned Hitchcock and John Riehl attending; John Duane excused
Ø Small Boat Identification program. The draft proposal from Conservation Agent (attached) should be supported, as part of the effort to better manage and preserve Wellfleet’s beaches and shorelines. It was agreed that Power’s Landing may need special consideration, as any stored boats there constrain an already small beach.
o John Riehl to write to Conservation Agent, ConsCom, Beach Administrator in support.
Ø Herring River. The Herring River Restoration Committee (HRRC) has asked for the Town’s response on four questions affecting the restoration project: management of the restored dike, High Toss Road, low-lying roadways and Town in-kind contribution to the project. The High Toss issue was discussed, as this road will be flooded at high tides. It was decided not to take a position on preserving the way, as no cost estimates are available to do so.
In addition, NRAB discussed two additional issues related to the restoration: assuring citizen access to the restored estuary and assuring Town shellfishing management of the estuary. John Riehl is to send a letter (attached) to the Board of Selectmen and the HRRC.
Ø Health and Conservation (H&C) Office. In December, the Asst. H&C officer resigned to take a new position. The Town Administrator (TA) plans to replace this full time position with a part time position. It was agreed that this change would significantly affect the ability of the H&C office, both for immediate response to water safety and septic issues but also for support of key projects such as the Herring River restoration and the Mass Estauries Project. Members of ConsCom have similar concerns. John Riehl to send a letter to the TA, copy Board of Selectmen, H&C Officer and ConsCom.
Ø Coastal and Pond Access.
There should be money in the NRAB budget for sign posting Town landings. The landings agreed for priority are: Bound Brook, the Gut (2 signs), Mayo Beach (opposite trailer park), and Sgt Howard Memorial Way. The sign currently at Paine Point landing is a good model. John Riehl to make a formal request to DPW after Town Meeting.
A number of site; were identified that needed confirmation of Town status from the TA and Town Assessor: Herring River(#2), Herring River Dike(6A&6B), Chequesett Road(#7), Cahoon Hollow Road or Pine Point Way(#21), Hiawatha Road(#24), Eastern Street and Shell Street (#31-33), Cliff Avenue (#38), Hatches Creek (#41; access issue), Herring Pond (#45A), Squires & Crowell Ponds, north end of Long Pond (16-649), Spence Way (adjacent to 28-40), Cove Road (at 28-25; shown as Town way in old map).
In addition, three questions were identified for the Town Counsel:
- Legal definition of Town landing and way-to-the-water
- Procedure to assure ongoing use of habitual ways
- Procedure to search CCNS deeds.
John Riehl will set up a meeting with the TA & Assessor.
Ø Next meeting set for 2/27/2012. Adjourned at 8.10 pm.
Approved: John Riehl, Chair Date: March 5 2012
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