4/12/2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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8 Board of Selectmen Minutes April 12, 2017 APPOINTMENTS& HEARINGS Update on UMass Dartmouth Water Quality Testing,Richard York,DNR Director: Richard York, Director of Natural Resources reviewed the need for continued water quality testing to evaluate the effectiveness of oyster culture as per the Town's nutrient management plans for the Popponesset Bay estuary. The site description includes two sub-estuaries of Popponesset Bay,the Mashpee River and Shoestring Bay. Mr. York indicated the CNWMP is a major component in the shellfish water quality restoration program. The Mashpee River conducts oyster culture and Shoestring Bay was selected for the development of an oyster bed. Restoring shellfish will filter the algae and reduce the nitrogen in the bays. It was noted the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe received a grant in the amount of$200,000 to construct oyster beds in Shoestring Bay. It is projected the oysters will seed, spawn and ultimately sustain in the bay. In 2016,the Town of Mashpee through its DNR partnered with the UMass Dartmouth School of Marine Science and Technology(SMAST)for this project. Results of the water quality sampling are pending and would reflect actual nitrogen removal data. In 2017 the project will be expanded to direct nitrogen removal assessments in both Waquoit Bay and the Mashpee River. Mr. York indicated that year#2 of this project is requested for funding at the May 2017 Town Meeting. Dr. Brian Howes of Wass Dartmouth will attend a future meeting to give a full report regarding this project. COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE Corres ondence from Alan Slavin Town of Wareham Selectman and A ointee to the Massachusetts Selectmen's Association re resentin District 4—Plymouth C21m Ca e Cod and the Islands: The Board reviewed correspondence received from Alan Slavin, Selectman to the Town of Wareham dated April 6,2017 introducing himself as the recent appointee to the Massachusetts Selectmen's Association representing District 4 which is comprised of Plymouth County and Cape and the Islands. As noted,the appointment includes membership to the Massachusetts Municipal Association Board of Directors and the Local Government Advisory Commission.