11/22/2011 WATERWAYS COMMISSION Minutes

Home Browse Search

Mashpee Waterways Commission November 22, 2011 Meeting Minutes The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ken Bates at 9:07 AM in Meeting Room #2, Mashpee Town Hall. Present: Ken Bates, Tim Leedham, Steve Pinard, Bill Taylor Absent: Perry Ellis, Al Wickel, Paul Zammitto Others in attendance: Ms. Joyce Mason Town Manager, Town Counsel Mr. Costello, Rick York Shellfish Constable, Selectman Michael Richardson, Stephen Mone Harbormaster, and approximately 8 other persons. Motion to approve the November 8, 2011 Meeting minutes as amended made by Bill Taylor, seconded by Steve Pinard and was unanimously approved. OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Richard Cook addressed the meeting and reviewed his Mashpee Shellfish Acquaculture License Application. Mr. Cook explained that the site location had been revised in size, reduced to 3.5 acres from 4 and moved 155 feet away from the Inner (South) Channel. He noted that this was in response to input received during his open Q & A meeting held at the Town Library, the previous Saturday. Mr. Cook then produced an actual cage that he planned to use. Mr. Cook invited any persons interested on a boat trip to the proposed site to visually watch the process of raising and turning the cage and viewing the machinery (Sorter) that will be used to work his proposed site . Ken Bates noted that the meeting held at the Library was well attended and informative. There was a free exchange of ideas, explanations, advice, and information at this meeting. Town Counsel, Mr. Costello addressed Mr. Bates’ question on distance required from a Town Boundary and he advised that there were no Town regulations or laws regarding a set distance from a Town Boundary for an Aquaculture project. There is a requirement for 150’ setback from a channel in Mashpee Waters. The South Channel was deemed far enough away from the proposed site. A question regarding the size and quantity of cages being used was referred to the Board of Selectmen as the Waterways Commission does not have comment on that issue. After further discussion, a motion was made by Steve Pinard, and seconded by Tim Leedham, as follows: That the Waterways Commission send a letter to the Mashpee Board of Selectmen recommending that the Acquaculture License Application as submitted by Mr Cook at today’s meeting would not have a negative impact on waterways in the Bay provided Mr. Cook’s agreement to remove his equipment when required for a maintenance dredge of the 1916 Channel was adhered to. The following requirements should be addressed by the BOS should a permit/license be issued by them for the project: 1) 8 Markers would be required to be installed and maintained for marking the Grant Area, (locations as directed by the Town Harbormaster). Maintaining the markers at their correct locations would be the responsibility of the applicant. 2) The tract (grant area) would be required to be modified to accommodate a 155’ setback from the Inner/ South Channel and 100’ from the Town boundary line. Detailed drawings should be prepared by the applicant to show grant area GPS or GIS coordinates. Additional coordinates should be shown on the applicant’s drawing noting locations of plot markers. 3) Upon notification by the Town, applicant shall remove all gear from the Grant area so as not to interfere with dredging. The Town will provide notification approximately one year in advance of the dredge. The motion was unanimously approved by members present. Mr. Bates will send this information to the BOS in a letter.