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14 <br /> Board of Selectmen <br /> Minutes <br /> July 22, 2019 <br /> NEW BUSINESS <br /> Water Quality Presentation: Brian Howes; University of Massachusetts: (continued) <br /> Dr. Howes in concern indicated the assessment is clear and it is not good. The only method to restore <br /> degraded estuarine habitat is through nitrogen management through increased tidal exchange, control of <br /> watershed nitrogen sources and increased nitrogen removal in transport. <br /> It was agreed the Town has been proactive in managing nitrogen levels by maintaining open bays to <br /> improve flushing. However, this is not enough. Dr. Howes recommended removal of the source; <br /> septic effluent to grant relief. This would include a mixture of sewering with ecological restoration. <br /> The shellfish aquaculture program was noted to be contributing to the nitrogen removal, but it is not <br /> enough to achieve the TMDL thresholds. In some of the estuaries, the aquaculture may make a <br /> difference and in other ponds different nitrogen management is required. Hamblin Pond and the <br /> Mashpee River are showing stability with slight improvements with the aquaculture remediation <br /> program <br /> Dr. Howes indicated that nitrogen is responsible for the phytoplankton blooms which are the highest in <br /> the least flushed basins. Monitoring results showed the phytoplankton biomass, salinity and oxygen <br /> levels at all stations. Data indicates that lowering nitrogen levels will reduce phytoplankton biomass <br /> and improve water clarity and oxygen conditions which would result in restored animal and plant <br /> habitats. <br /> In closing, it was agreed that it is time to move forward with the wastewater initiative to maintain <br /> overall water quality in the Town of Mashpee. <br /> Discussion and Approval of Issuing a Request for Proposals for Development of Town Owned Property <br /> on Commercial Street: <br /> The Board of Selectmen discussed the Town owned property on Commercial Street; 6.192 acres once <br /> considered for a hotel/motel. With the need for affordable housing and to increase revenue it was <br /> recommended the Board issue a non-binding RFP to seek interest in the property and determine what <br /> the market could support for affordable workforce housing. The property lies within a developed area <br /> with nearby public transit. <br /> Motion made by Selectman Cotton to authorize the Town Manager to prepare a RFP for the <br /> disposition of 108 Commercial Street, Mashpee with guidance from Town Counsel, and return <br /> with a draft at the next Selectmen's Meeting. <br /> Motion seconded by Selectman Sherman. <br /> VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0. <br /> Roll Call Vote: <br /> Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara,yes <br /> Selectman Sherman,yes Opposed, none <br />