8/31/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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4 Board of Selectmen Minutes August 31, 2020 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public Notice of Tree Removal due to the Route 151 Corridor Improvement Project: Department of Public Works Director Catherine Laurent: Catherine Laurent, Director of Public Works indicated the Route 151 Corridor Improvement Project has triggered certain thresholds with MEPA. This includes the requirement to file an Environmental Notification Form (ENF) for the widening of an existing roadway by four or more feet for 1.5 or more miles. The construction, widening or maintenance of the roadway will alter the bank or terrain location 10 or more feet from the existing roadway for 1.5 or more miles unless necessary to install a structure or equipment, and cut 5 or more living public shade trees of 14 or more inches in diameter at breast height. In Phase 1 from the Mashpee Rotary to the Old Barnstable Road intersection 1.92 acres are required to be cleared, and specifically remove 47 shade trees. In Phase II from the Old Barnstable Road intersection to the Town Line 2.64 acres of clearing, and specifically remove 38 shade trees. The removal of the shade trees requires a public meeting and approval by the Board of Selectmen. It was explained that construction of the project necessitates the clearing of land and the removal of trees for the sidewalk, multi-use path, road widening and for drainage improvements. The clearing is also necessary for the improvements and for grading purposes. Phase I is planned to go to bid in the spring of 2021 with construction in Federal Fiscal Year 2021. Phase II is considered as a separate project for inclusion in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) which is most likely 5+years in arears of Phase 1. With regards to the Quashnet River it was noted there are curb cuts in the plan for the two trails to remain on either side of the road. The Town has proposed to retain the trails, and the stormwater control has received approval from the Conservation Commission. Motion made by Selectman Gottlieb to approve the Tree Removal for the Route 151 Corridor Improvement Project as outlined in the presentation from the DPW Director. Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara,yes Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Weeden,yes Opposed, none