3/17/2015 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Minutes

Home Browse Search

Mashpee Environmental Oversight Committee Minutes of Meeting March 17, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Mashpee Town Hall Present: Selectman John Cahalane, Mike Talbot, Drew McManus Absent: Chairman George Petersen, Rick York, Ted Theis CALL TO ORDER The meeting was opened by Mr. Talbot at 6:34 p.m. with a quorum. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES December 16, 2014 There was no quorum of attending members present to approve the December minutes. COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Talbot reported that the Attorney General had approved the nitrogen control bylaw, with no changes. NEW BUSYNESS New Elections of Committee Members It was suggested that recruitment of new members was necessary. Selectman Cahalane noted that open positions were advertised in the Enterprise but recommended more active recruitment. Selectman Cahalane recommended reaching out to interested individuals directly. Selectman Cahalane will confirm that EOC vacancies were being advertised. There was question regarding the total number of members and whether there were changes as to who could comprise the Committee. Mr. McManus suggested that membership likely included Shellfish, Conservation, MEC and Board of Selectmen. Mr. McManus indicated that he would be addressing the Men's Club and could mention the vacancies to the group. ACTION ITEMS UPDATE Quashnet River Restoration Update Mr. McManus referenced the Steering Committee he established last year to assist with making recommendations about restoration scenarios for the upper Quashnet River area. The group's March 6 meeting was very well attended with representation from a strong cross section of interested parties. The goal of the meeting was to identify 7 members for the Committee representing each of the groups. In addition, the Committee sought to identify the foundation of the Committee's roles as well as goals and recommendations for the restoration. Mr. McManus confirmed that an assessment had been conducted regarding fish passage and cranberry growth had been abandoned in the area. As a result of the previously completed study, it has been recommended that the river be realigned with the cranberry bog ditches. The Air Force was expected to fund the process of returning the area to its previous condition and addressing the berm failure. The area has been considered officially cleaned up. The final goal of the Committee would be to develop an RFP and hire a consultant to initiate the planning and permitting process for the project. Mr. McManus anticipated it to be a 4-5 year process.