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the past have been removed with no rhyme or reason and now are being removed by others for their own <br /> gain enjoyment. Mr'. Harris explained that the homeowners have taken the monitoring on themselves due <br /> to flooding and water level issues. He cited an incident two weeks ago with a renter removing boards t <br /> give themselves more of a beach. <br /> He explained that he had-reported it-to the police and Harbormaster/conservation Agent but has not seen <br /> the person confronted yet. He stated that he understood it is an additional duty for everyone,the three <br /> Hem ng Wardens Harbormaster, Conservation Agent and'Shellfish Verden , and they could not possibly <br /> get there everyday. He also stated that he does not expect that the-police would walk the 150 feet to the <br /> water or to know when and how to replace the boards after getting a report about them being out. Mr. <br /> Harris explained that the homeowners had worked out a board schedule with Perry Ellis to try and get <br /> handle on the water levels and destruction of the area. Mr. Harris read from the letter about the dangers <br /> of the ever-shrinking water levels and that it is causing harm to boaters and wildlife. Mr. Harris stated that <br /> the Quashnet bogs need to be restored not ignored and that the area could be restored to a valuable fish <br /> habitat, Mr: Harris thanked the Commission, and Commissioner Fitzsimmons thanked him for the <br /> thoroughness with which h covered the issues in the letter and his presentation. Mr. Forde readdressed <br /> the Commission in defense of the Herring Wardens, and the recent incident stating that he has not been <br /> able to ascertain the name of the offending party acrd that he felt they were doing a good job reacting to <br /> the issue. Mr.' Forde a plained that he felt Mr. LaFleur was a lobbyist for the Granberry growers and that <br /> Mr. LaFleur spoke a lot about "coulds"and not about what would happen. Commissioner Fitzsimmons <br /> explained that Mr. LaFleur is not a lobbyist but that he word s for the cranberry Growers Association. I Ir. <br /> Forde reiterated point brought up b Mr'. Harri about who would monitor the bogs arid.the trust involved <br /> on behalf of the Town. IIIb. Forde quoted IIIb.-LaFleur in regards to the pace per acre as$11 00 and <br /> gxplalned that multiplied by teri acres that bring the Town about$112,000 far less than the amount of <br /> property taxes paid by the 42 John Ponds Estate residents. Kathleen Elia stood to address the <br /> Commission and stated that she had seen the destruction caused by the shrinking water level and safety <br /> issues Mr. Harris spoke of. Mrs. Elia explained that she had to rescue a family after their boat ran <br /> aground in the water, and a member of the boat was injured. IIIb. Phil Elia stood as well to address the <br /> Commission and stated that he did not understand how the Cranberry growers, and allies could make all <br /> these statements with no scientific basis for therm. He stated that if he attempted to do the same he would <br /> s a private citizen have to do shellfish surveys and have scientific data to support his request. <br /> Commissioner Fitzsimmons asked if anyone else wanted to speak, no one else carne forth, and he <br /> thanked everyone for their participation and comments. He explained that the Commission would be <br /> taking it all into consideration and would deliberate and rrrake a decision at the next harlrg in two weeps. <br /> Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> Melissa grown <br /> Board Secretary <br /> 5 <br />