08/22/2019 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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3 Board of Selectmen Minutes August 22, 2019 Public Comment: (continued) Mary Adams Oleksak, a resident of 18 Capsan Circle gave open support in favor of wastewater Articles 15 & 16, and for Phase I of the Nitrogen Management Plan. Ms. Oleksak indicated that a larger buffer is planned around the facility that would be equipped with advanced technology. Many of the existing wastewater treatment facilities are located in high real estate areas, and most do not even know they exist. Mr. Oleksak stated the input of the area neighbors is important and should be considered by the Board of Selectmen. The adaptive management approach using shellfish represents a cost savings of$1.3 in per year and it is projected to save up to $90 million in capital costs. In considering the matter of wastewater Ms. Oleksak recommended the Town not move forward with JBCC until data is received regarding the benefits of aquaculture. The use of shellfish represents a small cost, and would give the Town the time to think about the longer alternatives such as JBCC. Ms. Oleksak disclosed that she has developed a new Facebook page entitled;Mashpee Clean Waters. Residents were encouraged to follow this page to bring forward Mashpee clean waters. Sewer Commission member Joe Lyons of 122 Whippoorwill Circle is involved in the Town's planning to try to stop the septic pollution in the Town's water bodies. Mr. Lyons is a retired engineer having worked in the field for a company much larger than the Town of Mashpee. Mr. Lyons indicated the first step is always the toughest, and the Board of Selectmen can put forward a flexible plan. In concern to the lack of moving forward, Mr. Lyons stated this discussion has been ongoing for the past 20 years. Mr. Lyons recommended the Town investigate JBCC, but this solution requires the rebuilding of the JBCC which is estimated to take 10-20 years to its fruition. Further information can be found online regarding the potential use of JBCC. There are thirty-five impediments listed which require agreements with multiple parties. This may further encumber the project. There is not enough time to save Mashpee's estuaries. Mr. Lyons recommended moving forward with Phase I to correct the eastern side of Mashpee where there is more pollution. The Transfer Station site will solve this problem. Finance Committee member Gregory McKelvey indicated that he agrees with the need to move forward to solve the Town's clean water problem. However, Mr. McKelvey stated the Town needs to be realistic as the magnitude of this project will be outrageously expensive. The potential cost of a debt exclusion or an override is $.10 to $.20 cents per thousand. The Town would be required to create a new department and the individual homeowner would be responsible for street hook-up costs. It is important to understand and long and short term financial implications. Mr. McKelvey indicated there is a critical need to have meetings to assist the public in understanding where this project is going in the long term. Mr. McKelvey noted the shellfish program is important, but it is not fully funded. Mr. McKelvey recommended the Town consider JBCC, to plan for the future. It was suggested the matter of wastewater be deferred to May to give the Board of Selectmen more time. In closing, Mr. McKelvey added the CPC is an invaluable asset to Mashpee. He suggested the Town make the decisions as a community together.