11/14/2013 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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i properties that are up for sale. One borders the Mashpee River across from Washburn Pond and the other within the boundaries of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge. If they approve them they will put them on the upcoming town meeting. Both parcels would be desirable parcels to have. He recommended a letter be drafted supporting the purchase of these two parcels. Drew would draft the letter for the commissioners' signatures. 10-A Float Docks. Continuing discussion on proposal for grandfathered permitting procedure. Agent McManus brought the commissioners up to date on the 10A Floats. He proposed that the owners of the docks submit an application for an RDA to attend a hearing. Once submitted along with the application fee, he would do an inspection and if any portion of the dock doesn't meet the design specifications or if any portion of the dock that would represent a violation of the wetlands protection act, he would bring it to the homeowners' attention and let them know what they need to do to meet the requirements. If the dock meets the performance standards, the commission would review the request for determination and if the commission issues a negative determination then the homeowner can take the local conservation permit and go to Chapter 91 to get a simplified license from the state. That would bring the homeowner in full compliance of the wetlands protection act with the understanding that there would be certain conditions. All dock owners who have been paying 10-A Float fees must produce documentation that they have been paying these fees from the Harbor Master.. Other conditions would be that the property address be permanently affixed to the float(if present) and walkways and any exposed Styrofoam on docks with floats must be encapsulated one year from the issuance date of the RDA. Agent McManus noted that a scale plan or hand sketched plan would also need to be submitted. It was suggested using GIS, photos, or a Google map accompanied by a sketch. Doing research of the chapter 91 regulatory language this is a recommended approach. It does not require engineered plans, a much simpler plan is acceptable. This is a procedural pathway to bring these docks into compliance. It does not apply to any other dock owner who has not paid I OA float fees or has a dock in the water that has no previous history. It is for homeowners who have documented evidence that they have been paying 1 OA float fees. Following a discussion, it was agreed that the conservation commission would keep separate files on these applications on the docks. Homeowners will be notified that they need to follow the simplified Chapter 91 rules for docks. Agent McManus recommended the commission take a vote. Public John Harris stated some residents are in the same circumstance. They were told by the harbormaster what they need to do is apply for a I OA float. They filled out application and paid their fees. This year the harbormaster has told them they are docks and said they would appreciate it if the commission would allow them to go thru the process and do what they need to do.