Laserfiche WebLink
ACTION ITEMS <br /> Zero Phosphorus Lawn Fertilizer Bylaw Update <br /> The Chair stated that the bylaw failed at Town Meeting. Chairman Cahalane summarized that <br /> the bylaw was initially drafted by the Friends of Santuit Pond, introducing it to the <br /> Environmental Oversight Committee for support. Concerns about the wording of the bylaw <br /> resulted in the EOC and the Board of Selectmen not supporting the Article. The Friends of . <br /> Santuit Pond then petitioned to have it added to the Warrant. The Chair stated that the bylaw <br /> needed to be drafted in such a way that it fit with the town of Mashpee and be enforceable. The <br /> Chair inquired whether the EOC wished to develop a new Article for the May Town Meeting. <br /> Mr. York inquired whether it should be a bylaw or an educational campaign, adding that some <br /> components of the bylaw did not make sense such as leaving grass clippings in place. Chairman <br /> Cahalane suggested the possibility of considering it for a directive instead of a bylaw. Mr. York <br /> suggested that it should remain under consideration by the EOC. Mr. White reported that the <br /> Mashpee Environmental Coalition, and specifically Michael Talbott, expressed interest in <br /> working on the bylaw. The Chair stated that the current wording was unenforceable and <br /> suggested the possibility of a compliance officer position being added through a future Town <br /> Meeting vote. Mr. York stated that residents were willing to help the environment and that an <br /> educational program may assist in achieving that goal. <br /> Combine Water-Sewer <br /> Chairman Cahalane reported that the Board of Selectmen signed the agreement to work together <br /> and agreed to create a committee consisting of the Selectmen, the Town Manager,the Sewer <br /> Commission Chairman and the Sewer Commission Administrator. The Committee will meet to <br /> determine whether it would be advantageous to utilize the Water District for sewer planning. <br /> Town-Wide Stormwater Management Plan <br /> Chairman Cahalane will follow up with Catherine Laurent regarding the current status. <br /> Santuit Pond and Santuit Pond Grant <br /> Chairman Cahalane reported that the Board of Selectmen agreed to contract with Solar Bee to <br /> purchase the circulators with an option to buy back the units if the circulators were not working <br /> after two years, excluding the costs of one year rental, shipping and installation. The formula <br /> has not yet been identified to determine whether or not the units demonstrated effectiveness after <br /> two years but the Board of Selectmen will be working with the Cape Cod Commission to create <br /> a formula. Mr. York indicated that the AECOM report offered a target for the solar circulators. <br /> Mr. York stated that the Solar Bees should cut the algae bloom in half, though it would not <br /> eliminate eutrophication. The Chair inquired whether information was available regarding the <br /> current size of the bloom and Mr. York confirmed that the information was available and that the <br /> ongoing water monitoring would continue to provide data. Monitoring includes use of the sonde <br /> water monitoring unit and monthly nutrient analysis by SMaST. Mr. York added that the State <br /> Department of Health also monitors the algae bloom during the summer months. Mr. York also <br /> emphasized the need to control run-off, septic systems and fertilizer in order to achieve a <br /> complete cleanup alongside use of the solar circulators. Mr. York stated that 78%of the total <br /> nitrogen was coming from the sediments and AECOM conservatively estimated that 67% could <br /> be removed. Mr. Theis inquired whether quantifications were included in the agreement and <br /> Chairman Cahalane responded that parameters would be added to the contract. <br /> Mr. York reported that the Santuit Pond dam was looking good and that collaboration and work <br /> was continuing on the planning. <br /> 3 <br />